trajectory

 
Pronunciation: /trəˈdʒɛkt(ə)ri, ˈtradʒɪkt(ə)ri/

noun (plural trajectories)

  • 1the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces: the missile’s trajectory was preset figurative the rapid upward trajectory of Rich’s career
  • 2 Geometry a curve or surface cutting a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.

Origin:

late 17th century: from modern Latin trajectoria (feminine), from Latin traject- 'thrown across', from the verb traicere, from trans- 'across' + jacere 'to throw'