Pronunciation: [bɐlˈɪstɪkli] (IPA) 
The word "ballistically" is spelled with three syllables, /bəˈlɪstɪkli/. The first syllable "bə" starts with a schwa sound, followed by the "l" sound. The second syllable "ˈlɪs" has a prominent stress and starts with the "l" sound followed by the "ɪ" or "ih" vowel sound. The final syllable "tɪkli" has a secondary stress and starts with the "t" sound followed by the "ɪ" or "ih" vowel sound and ends with the "k" and "li" sounds.
Ballistically is an adverb that pertains to the field of ballistics, the science or study of projectile motion, such as the flight of bullets, missiles, or rockets. It describes the manner in which an object travels through the air or another medium once it is set in motion.
In the context of ballistics, ballistically refers to the forces and effects experienced by an object in motion, particularly as it relates to its trajectory, stability, and impact. It encompasses various factors, including the object's initial velocity, angle of launch, atmospheric conditions, and the forces acting upon it during flight, such as air resistance or wind.
Ballistically, therefore, is often used to describe the behavior, characteristics, or properties of projectiles or objects moving in a manner similar to that of a ballistic trajectory. For example, a bullet may be said to fly ballistically if it follows a predictable path due to its high initial velocity and minimal forces acting upon it.
Beyond the realm of ballistics, the term can be applied metaphorically to describe any phenomenon or behavior that resembles or is characterized by a fast and direct motion, similar to that of a thrown or fired projectile. In this sense, it may be used to describe an action or process that moves swiftly and without hesitation or deviation, resembling the trajectory of a projectile.
The word "ballistically" is derived from the noun "ballistic", which in turn comes from the field of ballistics. The term "ballistics" is rooted in the Greek words "ballō" meaning "to throw" and "ballistēs" meaning "thrower" or "artilleryman". Ballistics is the science or study of projectiles, particularly the motion, behavior, and effects of bullets, rockets, missiles, and other projectiles. From the noun "ballistic", the adverb "ballistically" is formed to describe something in relation to ballistics or in a manner that relates to the properties and motion of projectiles.
