Ballistics \Bal*lis"tics\, n. [Cf. F. balistique. See
Ballista.]
The science or art of hurling missile weapons by the use of
an engine. --Whewell.
[1913 Webster]
2. The science treating the motion of projectiles in flight,
especially when they are in free fall within the earth's
gravitational field.
[PJC]
3. The study of the characteristics of a cartridge fired from
a firearm, and of the processes occurring during the
discharge of a firearm.
[PJC]
4. The division within a police department which studies the
characteristics of cartridges fired from a firearm; the
ballistics department. The characteristics of the weapons
and bullets fired may be used as evidence in criminal
investigations.
[PJC]
Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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