rocket

¹

[rok-it]

noun

1. any of various simple or complex tubelike devices containing combustibles that on being ignited liberate gases whose action propels the tube through the air: used for pyrotechnic effect, signaling, carrying a lifeline, hurling explosives at an enemy, putting a space vehicle into orbit, etc.

2. a space capsule or vehicle put into orbit by such devices.

3. rocket engine.

verb (used with object)

1. to move or transport by means of a rocket.

2. to attack with rockets.

verb (used without object)

1. to move like a rocket.

2. (of game birds) to fly straight up rapidly when flushed.

rocket

²

[rok-it]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Hesperis, of the mustard family, and related genera.

2. Also called roquette. Also called rocket salad,. the arugula plant, used in salads.

3. a noxious weed, Barbarea vulgaris, of the United States, having lobed leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers.

rocket

¹

/ ˈrɒkɪt /

noun

1. a self-propelling device, esp a cylinder containing a mixture of solid explosives, used as a firework, distress signal, line carrier, etc

2. 1. any vehicle propelled by a rocket engine, esp one used to carry a warhead, spacecraft, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      rocket propulsion

      rocket launcher

3. informal,  a severe reprimand (esp in the phrase get a rocket )

verb

1. (tr) to propel (a missile, spacecraft, etc) by means of a rocket

2. (intr; foll by off, away, etc) to move off at high speed

3. (intr) to rise rapidly

   he rocketed to the top

rocket

²

/ ˈrɒkɪt /

noun

1. Also called: arugula. a Mediterranean plant, Eruca sativa , having yellowish-white flowers and leaves used as a salad: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

2. any of several plants of the related genus Sisymbrium , esp S. irio ( London rocket ), which grow on waste ground and have pale yellow flowers

3. any of several yellow-flowered plants of the related genus Barbarea , esp B. vulgaris

4. any of several plants of the related genus Cakile , esp C. maritima , which grow along the seashores of Europe and North America and have mauve, pink, or white flowers

5. another name for dame's violet

rocket

1. A vehicle or device propelled by one or more rocket engines, especially such a vehicle designed to travel through space.

Other Word Forms

• rocketlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocket¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Italian rocchetta, diminutive of rocca “distaff” (with reference to its shape); from Germanic

Origin of rocket²

First recorded in 1525–35; from French roquette, from Italian ruchetta, ultimately from Latin ērūca kind of herb

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocket¹

C17: from Old French roquette , from Italian rochetto a little distaff, from rocca distaff, of Germanic origin

Origin of rocket²

C16: from French roquette , from Italian rochetta , from Latin ērūca a caterpillar, hairy plant

Example Sentences

“You discover the castle has got a rocket ship underneath.”

From Los Angeles Times

The space economy is expected to be worth trillions, but Musk’s rocket company has already decamped in large part from California to Texas.

From Los Angeles Times

China has been developing missiles and rocket forces as a key part of its deterrence strategy - and to counter the US' naval superiority, Mr Neill says.

From BBC

Water molecules can also be broken down to obtain hydrogen, which is used in rocket fuel.

From BBC

After the World War Two Greenland's tiny population rocketed and by 1970 it had almost doubled.

From BBC

Related Words

• ascend 
• climb 
• escalate 
• grow 
• lift 
• rise 
• sail 
• skyrocket 
• soar 
• take off 
• zoom