'non-missile' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'missile', which comes from Latin 'missilis', meaning 'that may be thrown'.

'Missilis' transformed into the Old French word 'missile', and eventually became the modern English word 'missile'. The prefix 'non-' was added to denote the absence of missile-related characteristics.

Initially, 'missile' referred to any object thrown or projected, but over time it evolved to specifically mean a weapon designed to be sent in the direction of a target. 'Non-missile' retains the original sense of 'not involving missiles'.