rocket

¹ American  

[rok-it] / ˈrɒk ɪt /

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.

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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 American  

[rok-it] / ˈrɒk ɪt /

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.

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rocket ¹ British  

/ 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 )

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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 British  

/ 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

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rocket Scientific  

/ rŏk′ĭt /

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

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Other Word Forms

• rocketlike adjective

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Ahead of the party congress, where Kim is expected to announce the next phase of the country's nuclear weapons programme, North Korea unveiled a range of nuclear-capable rocket launchers.

From BBC

In its statement, the defence ministry also said that several armoured vehicles and weapons - including rocket launchers - were seized during the operation.

From BBC

Disruption to helium, which is used to pressurise fuel tanks and cool rocket systems, is treated as a serious technical issue, according to Nasa.

From BBC

As part of an international collaboration, the European Space Agency provided the launch service using the Ariane 5 rocket.

From Science Daily

On the face of it, the Ferrari-engined cars seemed to have an advantage - they rocketed past rivals on several occasions during these tests.

From BBC

Related Words

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