ballistics

bal·lis·tics

noun plural but singular or plural in construction \bə-ˈlis-tiks\

Definition of BALLISTICS

1

a : the science of the motion of projectiles in flight

b : the flight characteristics of a projectile

2

a : the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired

b : the firing characteristics of a firearm or cartridge

First Known Use of BALLISTICS

circa 1737

Rhymes with BALLISTICS

ekistics, linguistics, logistics, patristics, statistics, stylistics

ballistics

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

Science of propulsion, flight, and impact of projectiles. Internal ballistics deals with propulsion of projectiles, such as within the barrel of a gun or at a rocket launch. Guns and rocket engines convert chemical energy of propellants into kinetic energy of projectiles. External ballistics deals with projectile flight. The trajectory, or path, of a projectile is subject to the forces of gravity (see gravitation), drag, and lift. Terminal ballistics deals with the impact of projectiles on a target. Wound ballistics deals with the mechanisms and medical implications of trauma caused by bullets and explosively driven fragments, such as shrapnel.