trajectory

noun

tra·​jec·​to·​ry trə-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē 

plural trajectories

1

: the curve that a body (such as a planet or comet in its orbit or a rocket) describes in space

2

: a path, progression, or line of development resembling a physical trajectory

an upward career trajectory

Did you know?

Formed with part of the prefix trans-, "across", trajectory means a "hurling across". By calculating the effect of gravity and other forces, the trajectory of an object launched into space at a known speed can be computed precisely. Missiles stand a chance of hitting their target only if their trajectory has been plotted accurately. The word is used most often in physics and engineering, but not always; we can also say, for example, that the trajectory of a whole life may be set in a person's youth, or that a new book traces the long trajectory of the French empire.

Examples of trajectory in a Sentence

the trajectory of the missile

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting with Atlantic Equities in January 2020 through KeyBanc’s downgrade late Thursday, the long-term trajectory of Apple shares has been higher. —Zev Fima,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

And the trajectory of his growth in rural Wisconsin flattened considerably, raising the question of how much more his vote can grow there. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024

This surge in institutional interest is propelling Bitcoin's price back to an upward trajectory, with BlackRock's IBIT ETF leading the charge, recording an impressive $329 million in inflows, as reported by Benzinga. —Steve Larsen, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The fact that everything from temperatures to precipitation patterns to bird migration trajectories is falling out of whack is contributing to kinds of trauma. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin trajectoria, from feminine of trajectorius of passing, from Latin traicere to cause to cross, cross, from trans-, tra- trans- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

trajectory

noun

tra·​jec·​to·​ry trə-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē 

plural trajectories

: the curve that a body (as a planet in its orbit or a rocket) travels along in space