projectile

UK: /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/

US: /prəˈdʒɛktɪl, -taɪl/

US: (prə jek′til, -tīl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pro•jec•tile /prəˈdʒɛktɪl, -taɪl/   n. [countable]

1. an object fired from a gun with an explosive charge, as a bullet or shell.

See -jec-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pro•jec•tile  (prə jek′til, -tīl), n. 

1. an object fired from a gun with an explosive propelling charge, such as a bullet, shell, rocket, or grenade.
2. a body projected or impelled forward, as through the air.

adj. 

3. impelling or driving forward, as a force.
4. caused by impulse, as motion.
5. capable of being impelled forward, as a missile.
6. Zoology, Biology protrusile, as the jaws of a fish.

• Neo-Latin, neuter of prōjectilis (adjective, adjectival) projecting. See project, -ile
• 1655–65

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

projectile / prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/ noun

1. an object or body thrown forwards
2. any self-propelling missile, esp one powered by a rocket or the rocket itself
3. any object that can be fired from a gun, such as a bullet or shell

adjective

1. capable of being or designed to be hurled forwards
2. projecting or thrusting forwards
3. another word for protrusile

Etymology: 17th Century: from New Latin prōjectilis jutting forwards