Missile \Mis"sile\, n. [L. missile.]
   1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected,
      as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air
      and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target.
      [PJC]

   Note: Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile[2] are now
         used in modern warfare. Some types with names
         indicating their range or function are: antiaircraft
         missile; ballistic missile; cruise missile;
         antiballistic missile missile; air-to-air missile;
         air-to-ground missile; guided missile;
         intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM);
         intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM);
         surface-to-air missile.

	

	surface-to-air missile
     n : a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an
         airborne target [syn: SAM]