How Do You Spell BALLISTIC-MISSILE?

Pronunciation: [bɐlˈɪstɪkmˈɪsa͡ɪl] (IPA)

The term "ballistic missile" refers to a weapon that is propelled through the air using its own motion and gravity, rather than by an engine. The word is spelled phonetically as /bəˈlɪstɪk ˈmɪsaɪl/, with the stress falling on the second syllable of both words. The first syllable of the word "ballistic" is pronounced as "buh", while the second syllable is pronounced as "list". The word "missile" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in the word "mile".

BALLISTIC-MISSILE Meaning and Definition

  1. A ballistic missile refers to a long-range weapon designed to deliver a payload, typically including a warhead, to a target located at a considerable distance. This type of missile follows a predetermined trajectory, known as a ballistic trajectory, which comprises three distinct phases: the boost phase, the midcourse phase, and the terminal phase.

    During the boost phase, the missile is propelled forward by rocket engines, exerting significant thrust to overcome Earth's gravity. Once the boost phase concludes, the missile enters the midcourse phase, where it travels through space, guided by inertial navigation systems. In this phase, the missile operates without propulsion and relies on its initial velocity to continue its flight path.

    Upon reaching the terminal phase, the missile re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, descending towards its target under the pull of gravity. At this stage, the missile undergoes rapid deceleration due to atmospheric drag, but it may also maneuver or make adjustments to its trajectory to enhance accuracy and evade interception.

    Ballistic missiles can be classified into various types based on their range, payload capabilities, and purpose. These can include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which have the ability to travel vast distances, and shorter-range missiles like intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) or medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs). They are predominantly used as strategic weapons by national militaries or as delivery systems for nuclear, conventional, or chemical/biological warheads.

Common Misspellings for BALLISTIC-MISSILE

  • balistic missile
  • ballistic missle
  • ballastic missile
  • ballisticpmissile
  • ballistic0-missile
  • ballistic-0missile
  • ballisticp-missile
  • ballistic-pmissile
  • ballistic--missile
  • ballisticmmissile
  • bawlistic-missile

Etymology of BALLISTIC-MISSILE

The word "ballistic-missile" has a fairly straightforward etymology.

The term "ballistic" originates from the Greek word "ballistes", which means "thrower". In ancient times, a ballistes was a type of catapult used for slinging large stones or other projectiles. Over time, "ballistes" came to refer to any device capable of propelling an object through the air, regardless of the mechanism used. In the modern context, "ballistic" refers to the science and study of the motion of projectiles, particularly the motion of objects flying through the air or space under the force of gravity.

The word "missile" comes from the Latin "missilis", which means "capable of being thrown". Historically, "missile" referred to any object or weapon designed to be thrown or launched, such as arrows, stones, or javelins.

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