Pronunciation: [kɹˈuːz mˈɪsa͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "cruise missile" is /kruːz mɪsaɪl/. The first part of the word, "cruise", is spelled with a "c" and a "u", making the /kruː/ sound. The second part of the word, "missile", is spelled with two "s's" and an "i", making the /mɪsaɪl/ sound. The combination of the two parts of the word creates a powerful weapon that can travel long distances and deliver a precise strike on a target.
A cruise missile is a sophisticated, self-propelled weapon capable of long-range flight and precise targeting. It is an unmanned, guided missile designed to travel at low altitudes, following a preprogrammed flight path or being guided by onboard navigation systems.
These missiles are primarily used in military applications and are typically deployed from land, sea, or air platforms. They are designed for delivering conventional or nuclear warheads to a specific target, such as enemy infrastructure, military installations, or strategic locations. Fast and agile, cruise missiles are often designed to evade enemy air defenses and radar detection by flying at extremely low altitudes or adopting a stealthy approach.
Cruise missiles are equipped with navigation systems, such as global positioning systems (GPS), inertial navigation systems, or terrain contour matching (TERCOM). These systems allow the missile to maintain a precise and accurate course towards its intended target, enabling it to avoid obstacles and maintain a high level of accuracy. Some cruise missiles may also possess the capability to be re-targeted during flight or utilize low-altitude terrain-hugging flight profiles to conceal their approach.
Due to their speed, range, and accuracy, cruise missiles provide nations with a significant advantage in striking targets from a safe distance without putting human lives at risk. The development and deployment of cruise missiles have significantly transformed modern warfare, enabling countries to project power over long distances and execute precise military strikes with minimal collateral damage.
The word "cruise" in "cruise missile" originated from the verb "to cruise", which dates back to the early 17th century. It initially referred to a ship or vessel moving at a steady speed, particularly without any specific destination in mind. This term was derived from the Dutch word "kruisen", meaning "to cross, sail back and forth".
The concept of using the term "cruise" to describe a specific type of missile gained prominence during the Second World War. The German V-1 flying bomb, also known as the Vergeltungswaffe 1 or Vengeance Weapon 1, was an early cruise missile. Its development influenced the terminology, as the Allies sought to describe this new type of weapon that could travel autonomously to its target.
