Reading Theme:
Missile Definition: Military Weapon vs Thrown Object (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：guided projectile weapon (missile)
missile
/ˈmɪs.aɪl/
n.
A self-propelled weapon that can fly over long distances to destroy a target, such as a missile fired from a fighter jet.
guided projectile weapon
➕
/ˈɡaɪdɪd prəˈdʒɛktʌl ˈwɛpən/
n.
A weapon system capable of self-propelled flight over long distances to strike a designated target.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'missilis', meaning 'that can be thrown', from 'mittere' (to send).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'miss' (as in missing a target) + 'ile' (sounds like 'aisle'), but a missile aims to hit, not miss.
📖 Example
The news reported that a defensive missile successfully intercepted the incoming threat.
The news stated that a defensive missile effectively blocked the approaching danger.
🔗 Collocations
ballistic missile – a missile that follows a parabolic trajectory
cruise missile – a low-flying, guided missile
anti-aircraft missile – a missile designed to destroy aircraft
🔄 Synonyms
rocket (n.) – a projectile propelled by a rocket engine
projectile (n.) – an object thrown or launched through the air
guided weapon (n.) – a weapon that can be steered during flight
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'missilis', the term entered English in the 17th century, initially for any thrown projectile, later specializing to self-propelled weapons in modern military contexts.
Meaning 2：thrown object (missile)
missile
/ˈmɪs.aɪl/
n.
Any object that is thrown, hurled, or shot through the air, like a stone or a spear.
thrown object
➕
/θroʊn ˈɒbdʒɛkt/
n.
Any object that is propelled through the air by throwing, hurling, or shooting.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the heated baseball game, the pitcher's fastball was like a precision missile, impossible to hit.
In the intense baseball game, the pitcher's fastball resembled a precise missile, making it unhittable.
🔗 Collocations
precision missile – a metaphor for an accurately thrown object
human missile – a person thrown or diving forcefully
🔄 Synonyms
projectile (n.) – an object propelled through the air
missive (n.) – a letter or message, but historically a thrown object
hurled object (n.) – something thrown with force
Wordbook
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