Etymology and Usage
The word missile comes from the Latin verb mittere, meaning "to send".
In military usage, munitions projected towards a target are broadly categorised as follows:
- A powered, guided munition that travels through the air or space is known as a missile (or guided missile.)
- A powered, unguided munition is known as a rocket.
- Unpowered munitions not fired from a gun are called bombs whether guided or not; unpowered, guided munitions are known as guided bombs or "smart bombs".
- Munitions that are fired from a gun are known as projectiles whether guided or not. If explosive they are known more specifically as shells or mortar bombs.
- Powered munitions that travel through water are called torpedoes (an older usage includes fixed torpedoes, which might today be called mines).
- Hand grenades are not usually classed as missiles.
A common further sub-division is to consider ballistic missile to mean a munition that follows a ballistic trajectory and cruise missile to describe a munition that generates lift.
Read more about this topic: Missile
Famous quotes containing the words etymology and/or usage:
“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
—Giambattista Vico (16881744)
“Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who dont are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesnt put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a lesbian.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1951)