Ballistics
Ballistics ({not transcribed}) , noun
[Compare French balistique. See Ballista.]
The science or art of hurling missile weapons by the use of an engine. — Whewell
2.
The science treating the motion of projectiles in flight, especially when they are in free fall within the earth's gravitational field.
3.
The study of the characteristics of a cartridge fired from a firearm, and of the processes occurring during the discharge of a firearm.
4.
The division within a police department which studies the characteristics of cartridges fired from a firearm; the ballistics department. The characteristics of the weapons and bullets fired may be used as evidence in criminal investigations.