Definition of projectile

The word "projectile" derives from the Latin word "projectīlis," which means "thrown forward." The word "projectīlis" itself can be traced back to the Latin verb "proicere," meaning "to throw forward." This word is composed of "pro-," meaning "before," and "iacere," meaning "to throw." In the Middle Ages, the term "projectile" was originally used to refer to any object thrown or thrown upwards, either by hand or by mechanical means. However, during the Scientific Revolution, the term came to be more specifically applied to objects propelled by external force, such as arrows, bullets, and other missiles. Today, the term "projectile" is commonly used in physics and engineering to refer to any object that is propelled by an external force and travels through the air under the influence of gravity and other forces. This definition includes not only traditional projectiles like bullets, but also some types of athletic projectiles, such as a javelin thrown in track and field events.