'ballistic missile' definitions:
Definition of 'ballistic missile'
(from WordNet)
noun
A missile that is guided in the first part of its flight but falls freely as it approaches target
Definition of 'ballistic missile'
From: GCIDE
- Missile \Mis"sile\, n. [L. missile.]
- 1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target. [PJC]
- Note: Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile[2] are now used in modern warfare. Some types with names indicating their range or function are: {antiaircraft missile}; ballistic missile; cruise missile; antiballistic missile missile; air-to-air missile; air-to-ground missile; guided missile; intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM); intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM); surface-to-air missile.
Definition of 'ballistic missile'
From: GCIDE
- ballistic missile \bal*lis"tic mis`sile\, n. A rocket-propelled missile of long range which is guided only during the powered portion of its flight, which usually takes only a small part of the total flight time; -- contrasted with guided missile.
- Note: Ballistic missiles are sometimes referred to by their range, such as an
- intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or an
- intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). [PJC]