An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The science of the motion and behavior of → projectiles. The study of the functioning of firearms.

Etymology (EN): From L. ballista “ancient military machine for hurling stones,” from Gk. ballistes, from ballein “to throw,” from PIE *g^welH₁- “to throw;” cf. Pers. garzin “arrow;” Av. niγr- “to throw down;” Khotanese (+ *abi-, *ui-) bīr- “to throw, sow;” Proto-Iranian *garH- “to throw.”

Etymology (PE): Partâbik, from partâb “a throw, an arrow that flies far,” partâbidan “to throw,” + -ik, → -ics;
partâbšenâsi, from partâb + -šenâsi,
→ -logy.