An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Same as → gravity assist.

Etymology (EN): → gravitational; slingshot, from sling, from M.E. slyngen, from O.N. slyngva “to sling, fling” + shot, from M.E., from O.E. sc(e)ot, (ge)sceot; cf. Ger. Schoss, Geschoss.

Etymology (PE): Falâxan “sling;” from Av. fradaxšana- “sling,” fradaxšanya- “sling, sling-stone;”
→ gravitational.