n. [ Cf. F. balistique. See Ballista. ] The science or art of hurling missile weapons by the use of an engine. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The science treating the motion of projectiles in flight, especially when they are in free fall within the earth's gravitational field. [ PJC ]

3. The study of the characteristics of a cartridge fired from a firearm, and of the processes occurring during the discharge of a firearm. [ PJC ]

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. [ PJC ]