'ballistite' originates from English, coined in the late 19th century (credited to Alfred Nobel), formed from 'ballist-' (from 'ballistic', ultimately from Greek roots meaning 'to throw' or 'missile') plus the suffix '-ite' used in naming substances.

'ballistite' was coined around 1887 for Nobel's patented smokeless powder; the formulation and concept influenced later British developments such as 'cordite' and the term later came to be used more generally for similar nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin propellants.

Initially it meant specifically 'Nobel's patented smokeless powder'; over time it broadened to refer to early double-base smokeless propellants (nitrocellulose + nitroglycerin) in general.