I. bəˈlistik, -ēk also ba- adjective
Etymology: Latin ballista + English -ic
1. : of or belonging to the hurling of missiles
the ballistic power of a crossbow
2. : of or relating to ballistics or to a body in motion when the characteristics of such motion are determined by the laws of ballistics
3. : belonging to or actuated by a sudden impulse (as that due to an electric discharge)
• bal·lis·ti·cal·ly -tə̇k(ə)lē, -tēk-, -li adverb
II. adjective
1. : being or characterized by a repeated bouncing movement
ballistic stretching
2. : extremely and usually suddenly excited, upset, or angry : wild
went ballistic