strategic
Pronunciation: /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/
adjective
- 1relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them: strategic planning for the organization is the responsibility of top management
- designed or planned to serve a particular purpose: alarms are positioned at strategic points around the prison
- 2relating to the gaining of overall or long-term military advantage: Newark Castle was of strategic importance British strategic and commercial interests
- (of human or material resources) essential in fighting a war: a large strategic air force
- (of bombing or weapons) done or for use against industrial areas and communication centres of enemy territory as a long-term military objective: strategic nuclear missilesOften contrasted with tactical.
Origin:
early 19th century: from French stratégique, from Greek stratēgikos, from stratēgos (see stratagem)