ballistic
UK[bəˈlɪstɪk]US[bəˈlɪstɪk]
adj
Relating to the scientific study of the motion of projectiles, such as bullets or missiles.
adj
(of a missile or projectile) Moving under the force of gravity only after being launched or thrust.
adj
(informal) Becoming very angry or irrational.
Morpheme Breakdown
ballist
ic
ballist
throw
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'ballistic' has a direct lineage to ancient warfare. It derives from the Latin 'ballista', a large military engine for hurling stones, which itself came from the Greek 'ballein', meaning 'to throw'. The suffix '-ic' was added to form an adjective, originally describing the science of projectile motion. Over time, the term evolved from its literal mechanical origins to describe the trajectory of any launched object and, metaphorically, the sudden, uncontrollable 'launch' into a state of extreme anger.
Analysis
Structure: ballist (throw) + ic (adjective suffix)
ballist originates from the Greek 'ballein', meaning 'to throw'. The suffix -ic is from Latin -icus and Greek -ikos, used to form adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characterized by'.
Examples
The engineers calculated the missile's ballistic trajectory.
The bullet followed a ballistic path once it left the barrel.
He went ballistic when he discovered the mistake.