missile Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
  2. noun a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a targets but is not self-propelled
    projectile.

WordNet

Mis"sile adjective
Etymology
L. missils, fr. mittere, missum, to cause to go, to send, to throw; cf. Lith. mesti to throw: cf. F. missile. Cf. Admit, Dismiss, Mass the religious service, Message, Mission.
Definitions
  1. Capable of being thrown; adapted for hurling or to be projected from the hand, or from any instrument or rngine, so as to strike an object at a distance.
    We bend the bow, or wing the missile dart. Pope.
Mis"sile noun
Etymology
L. missile.
Definitions
  1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projcted, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet.

Webster 1913