What is described as a projectile fired, or intended to be fired, from a small arm?

A bullet is defined as the projectile that is fired from a firearm, specifically a small arm. When the trigger of a firearm is pulled, gunpowder ignites within the cartridge, propelling the bullet out of the barrel. This definition is critical in distinguishing a bullet from other terms related to projectile weaponry.

A cartridge, while it includes the bullet, also encompasses other components such as the casing, powder, and primer, and thus does not specifically refer to the projectile itself.

Missiles are usually associated with larger systems and are designed for a range of purposes, typically not fired from small arms but launched from designated platforms.

Rockets operate on a different principle, using thrust generated by the expulsion of gases, and are not typically referred to as projectiles fired from small arms.

In summary, the term bullet specifically signifies the projectile component that exits from small arms during firing, making it the most accurate choice in this context.