What does the term "drift" refer to in projectile flight?

The term "drift" in projectile flight specifically refers to the lateral deviation of a projectile's path caused by external factors, primarily wind. When a projectile is in flight, forces such as wind can push it off its intended trajectory, resulting in a shift to one side. This concept is crucial for marksmanship and artillery, as it affects accuracy, and shooters must account for drift when aiming to hit a target accurately.

Other deviations, such as those related to altitude, air pressure, or gravity, do not fall under the definition of drift in the context of projectile flight. Therefore, considering the main phenomenon that drift addresses—lateral movement due to wind—this makes the understanding of drift important for effective targeting and accuracy in various shooting disciplines.