MISSILE


Meaning of MISSILE in English

I. ˈmisəl sometimes -izəl, chiefly Brit -iˌsīl adjective

Etymology: Latin missilis, from missus (past participle of mittere to throw, send) + -ilis -ile — more at smite

1. : capable of being thrown or projected to strike an object at a distance

2. : adapted for throwing or hurling missiles

II. noun

( -s )

Etymology: Latin, from neuter of missilis

1. : a weapon or other object thrown or projected (as a stone, bullet, or artillery shell)

spears are still used as missiles in some parts of the world

open head wounds due to missiles — Journal American Medical Association

2. : a self-propelling unmanned weapon (as a rocket or a robot bomb) — compare guided missile

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.