trajectory

[ truh-jek-tuh-ree ]
/ trəˈdʒɛk tə ri /

noun, plural tra·jec·to·ries.

the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

Origin of trajectory

1660–70; < New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius cast-ing over. See traject, -tory1

OTHER WORDS FROM trajectory

tra·jec·tile [truh-jek-til, -tahyl] /trəˈdʒɛk tɪl, -taɪl/, adjective tra·jec·tion [truh-jek-shuh n] /trəˈdʒɛk ʃən/, noun

Words nearby trajectory

Example sentences from the Web for trajectory

British Dictionary definitions for trajectory

trajectory
/ (trəˈdʒɛktərɪ, -trɪ) /

noun plural -ries

the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

Derived forms of trajectory

trajectile (trəˈdʒɛktaɪl), adjective

Scientific definitions for trajectory

trajectory
[ trə-jĕktə-rē ]

Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.
Mathematics A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.