Search results for 'rocket':

rocket¹ noun 1 a cylinder containing inflammable material, which when ignited is projected through the air, used eg for signalling purposes, carrying a line to a ship in distress, or as part of a firework display. 2 a projectile or vehicle, especially a space vehicle, that obtains its thrust from a backward jet of hot gases produced by the burning of a mixture of fuel (solid or liquid) and oxygen that is carried within the projectile or vehicle. 3 a missile propelled by a rocket system. 4 Brit colloq a severe reprimand. verb (rocketed, rocketing) 1 to propel (a spacecraft, etc) by means of a rocket. 2 intrans to move, especially upwards, extremely quickly, as if with the speed of a rocket. 3 intrans said of prices: to rise very quickly; to soar. 4 to attack with rockets. 5 Brit colloq to reprimand someone severely. rocketry noun the scientific study and use of rockets.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: from French roquette, from Italian rochetta, a diminutive of rocca a distaff, with reference to its shape.

rocket² noun 1 a salad plant of Mediterranean countries. 2 in compounds any of several other plants • garden rocket.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin eruca a type of herb.