Found 2 items, similar to ballistic missile.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: ballistic missile ballistic missile n : a missile that is guided in the first part of its flight but falls freely as it approaches target
English → English (gcide) Definition: ballistic missile Missile \Mis"sile\, n. [L. missile.] 1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet. [1913 Webster] 2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target. [PJC] Note: Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile[2] are now used in modern warfare. Some types with names indicating their range or function are: antiaircraft missile ; ballistic missile; cruise missile; antiballistic missile missile; air-to-air missile; air-to-ground missile; guided missile; intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM); intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM); surface-to-air missile. ballistic missile \bal*lis"tic mis`sile\, n. A rocket-propelled missile of long range which is guided only during the powered portion of its flight, which usually takes only a small part of the total flight time; -- contrasted with guided missile. Note: Ballistic missiles are sometimes referred to by their range, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). [PJC]