Built from
巡航 (xúnháng, 'to cruise; cruise [aviation/naval term]') +
导弹 (dǎodàn, 'guided missile,' literally 'guide-bomb'). Contrast with
弹道导弹 (dàndào dǎodàn) 'ballistic missile' — ballistic missiles arc through space, cruise missiles fly low like aircraft. Famous examples: the American
战斧 (Zhànfǔ, 'Tomahawk') and Russia's
口径 (Kǒujìng, 'Kalibr').
