trajectory

trajectory [truh-jek-tuh-ree] Word Origin See more synonyms for trajectory on Thesaurus.com noun, plural tra·jec·to·ries.

1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
2. Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

Origin of trajectory 1660–70; New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius cast-ing over. See traject, -tory1 Related formstra·jec·tile [truh-jek-til, -tahyl] /trəˈdʒɛk tɪl, -taɪl/, adjectivetra·jec·tion [truh-jek-shuh n] /trəˈdʒɛk ʃən/, noun Related Words for trajectile ammunition, bomb, bullet, rocket, projectile, ball, shot, cartridge, slug, pellet, round, bat, dart, stealth, bolt, arrow, bird, MX, cap, lead British Dictionary definitions for trajectile trajectory noun plural -ries

1. the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
2. geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

Derived Formstrajectile (trəˈdʒɛktaɪl), adjective Word Origin and History for trajectile trajectory n.

1690s, from Modern Latin trajectoria, from fem. of trajectorius “of or pertaining to throwing across,” from Latin traiectus “thrown over or across,” past participle of traicere “throw across,” from Latin trans- “across” (see trans-) + icere, combining form of iacere “to throw” (see jet (v.)). Used in Late Latin and Middle English to mean “a funnel.”

trajectile in Science trajectory [trə-jĕk′tə-rē]

1. Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.
2. Mathematics A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.