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projectile (n.)

"body projected or impelled forward by force," 1660s, from Modern Latin projectilis, from Latin proiectus, past participle of proicere "stretch out, throw forth," from pro- "forward" (see pro-) + combining form of iacere (past participle iactus) "to throw" (from PIE root *ye- "to throw, impel"). Specifically "a missile intended to be shot from a cannon by explosion of gunpowder, etc."

also from 1660s

projectile (adj.)

1690s, "caused by impulse;" 1715, "impelling, throwing;" see project (v.) + -ile. By 1865 as "capable of being thrust forward." Projectile vomiting is attested from 1985. 

also from 1690s
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Trends of projectile

updated on December 02, 2020

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