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Translate files Missile
/ˈmɪs.əl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A weapon that is designed to be sent in the direction of a target and that travels through the air either powered or guided.
The military launched a missile to demonstrate its new capabilities.
A self-propelled weapon, typically one that is guided towards a target.
The country has developed a new long-range missile capable of reaching distant targets.
An object propelled at high speed, typically to cause injury or damage.
The protestors used rocks as missiles against the police barricade.
Etymology
Late Latin 'missilis', meaning 'throwable'
Common Phrases and Expressions
ballistic missile:
A missile with a high, arcing trajectory that is powered at launch and then follows a free-fall path to the target.
cruise missile:
A guided missile that flies at a constant speed along a relatively level flight path.
surface-to-air missile:
A missile designed to be launched from the ground to intercept and destroy air targets.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
A term used to describe something that is fast or powerful.
That new car is a total missile on the highway.