1. the science of the motion of projectiles, especially bullets, shells, or rockets
Usage: technical; often used with singular verb
2. the study of firearms and ammunition used in crimes
Usage: forensic science

Examples

• The detective sent the bullet to the ballistics lab for analysis.
• Ballistics is an important field in both military and forensic science.
• The ballistics expert testified about the trajectory of the projectile.
• Students studying ballistics learn about velocity, gravity, and air resistance.
• The ballistics report confirmed that the bullet came from the suspect’s gun.
• Modern ballistics involves complex mathematical calculations.
• The ballistics team examined the shell casings found at the crime scene.