GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Missile (?), a. [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.] Capable of being thrown; adapted for hurling or to be projected from the hand, or from any instrument or engine2, so as to strike an object at a distance.
   
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   We bend the bow, or wing the missile dart. Pope.
   
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2.       
   Missile, n. [L. missile.]
   1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet.
   
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   2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target.
   
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   Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile2 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.