The term "Tomahawk missile" originated from the Native American weapon, the tomahawk, which was a type of axe. However, there are several synonymous terms for the missile, including TLAM, which stands for "Tomahawk Land Attack Missile", BGM-109, which is the official military designation, and RGM/UGM-109, which refers to the missile's airborne and underwater capabilities respectively. Furthermore, some experts use the term "cruise missile" to describe the Tomahawk, as it operates by using an internal jet engine to fly at low altitudes and avoid detection. Regardless of the nomenclature, the Tomahawk missile remains one of the most effective weapons in the US military's arsenal.