What is an object called when it is moving solely under the influence of gravity?

When an object is moving solely under the influence of gravity, it is referred to as a projectile. This term typically applies in scenarios where the object is launched or thrown into the air and then moves along a curved trajectory influenced exclusively by gravitational force, without any other forces acting significantly upon it, such as air resistance (in idealized conditions).

In this context, "projectile" encapsulates motion in a two-dimensional plane, where the object follows a parabolic path due to the pull of gravity. This definition aligns with various physics principles, including the equations of motion under constant acceleration due to gravity.

The other terms, while related to motion, do not accurately describe an object influenced only by gravity. A satellite is an object that orbits a planet due to gravitational attraction but is also subject to its motion through inertial factors. An orbiter is similar, typically involving a complex gravitational interaction with a body’s orbit. Lastly, a body in motion is a vague term and does not convey the specific nature of motion being solely influenced by gravity.