noun
Uncommon
trajectory
truh-JEHK-tuh-ree
Trajectory (noun) means the curved path an object follows as it moves through space. Example: “Scientists calculated the rocket's trajectory into orbit.”
noun
1
The curved path an object follows as it moves through space.
"Scientists calculated the rocket's trajectory into orbit."
"The ball's trajectory carried it just over the fence."
"The trajectory of the thrown stone took it right over the wall."
2
The general direction or course something takes over time, such as a career or a situation.
"Her career trajectory has been remarkable since graduating."
"The company's trajectory looks upward after a difficult few years."
"Therapy helped change the trajectory of his life for the better."
How to use trajectory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe path something follows, whether physically through the air or figuratively over time.
Common pairings
upward trajectory
flight trajectory
career trajectory
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Word forms
- Plural
- trajectories
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Scientists calculated the rocket's _____ into orbit.
Etymology
From New Latin trāiectōria, coined from Latin trāiectus ("thrown across"), from trans- ("across") + iaciō ("to throw").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for trajectory
See all rhymes for trajectory →Frequently asked questions
What does “trajectory” mean?
The word “trajectory” means the curved path an object follows as it moves through space. In plain terms, the path something follows, whether physically through the air or figuratively over time.
How do you pronounce “trajectory”?
“Trajectory” is pronounced truh-JEHK-tuh-ree (/tɹəˈd͡ʒɛktəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “trajectory” in a sentence?
Here is “trajectory” used in a sentence: “Scientists calculated the rocket's trajectory into orbit.”
What part of speech is “trajectory”?
“Trajectory” is a noun.
Where does the word “trajectory” come from?
The word “trajectory” comes from New Latin. From New Latin trāiectōria, coined from Latin trāiectus ("thrown across"), from trans- ("across") + iaciō ("to throw").
Is “trajectory” a common word?
“Trajectory” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trajectory” have?
“Trajectory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the curved path an object follows as it moves through space.
What is the difference between trajectory and path?
A trajectory specifically refers to the curved path an object follows as it moves through space, often implying the influence of forces like gravity. A path is a more general term for any route taken, whether curved, straight, or irregular.
How is trajectory used figuratively?
Figuratively, trajectory refers to the general direction or course something takes over time, such as a person's career trajectory or the trajectory of a situation, describing its overall progression rather than a physical path.
In what fields is trajectory a technical term?
Trajectory is a technical term commonly used in physics, ballistics, and aerospace to describe the precise curved path of a moving object, such as a projectile or spacecraft.
