Whilst, yes, they’re wrong, they’re also right. After all, those things are shot and then fly, so they match (one of) the dictionary definition of being missiles.
I give them partial credit for their attempt, and a pat on the head for keeping on trying.
Missiles are self propelled and artillery are ballistics, not self propelled. There is a distinction that I was taught, but it’s almost like the difference between accuracy and percision in engineering, which only matter in certain contexts.
a self-propelled weapon that carries an explosive warhead and is directed by remote control or internal equipment, launched from the ground or by an aircraft or submarine.
“the plane disintegrated after being hit by a missile launched from the ground”
an object that is forcibly propelled at a target, either by hand or from a mechanical weapon.
“one of the players was hit on the head by a missile thrown by a spectator”
Whilst, yes, they’re wrong, they’re also right. After all, those things are shot and then fly, so they match (one of) the dictionary definition of being missiles.
I give them partial credit for their attempt, and a pat on the head for keeping on trying.
Missiles are self propelled and artillery are ballistics, not self propelled. There is a distinction that I was taught, but it’s almost like the difference between accuracy and percision in engineering, which only matter in certain contexts.
missile
/ˈmɪsʌɪl/
noun
“the plane disintegrated after being hit by a missile launched from the ground”
“one of the players was hit on the head by a missile thrown by a spectator”
Militarily, your definitions are correct, I was attempting to be ‘funny’ by using the English language definition instead.
You’re mixing dictionaries, it’s like mixing the horticultural definition of a vegetable with the culinary definition of a vegetable.
Sure you’re technically not wrong calling tomato sauce a fruit smoothie but everyone is going to think you’re an asshole after the first sip.