'missile-powered' originates from the combination of 'missile' and 'powered', where 'missile' refers to a self-propelled weapon and 'powered' indicates being driven by a specific force.

The term 'missile' comes from the Latin word 'missilis', meaning 'that may be thrown', and 'powered' is derived from the Old French 'povoir', meaning 'to be able'.

Initially, 'missile' referred to any object thrown or projected, but over time it evolved to specifically mean a self-propelled weapon.