rocket

rocket

rocket¹ [räk′it]

n.

[It rocchetta, spool or bobbin, rocket, orig. dim. of rocca, distaff < OHG roccho, distaff: from the resemblance in shape]

1. any of various devices, typically cylindrical, containing liquid or solid propellants which when ignited produce hot gases or ions that escape through a rear vent and drive the container forward by the principle of reaction: simple rockets are used mainly as fireworks, signals, and projectile weapons, while more complex rockets are used to propel guided missiles, ballistic missiles, and spacecraft: see also ROCKET ENGINE, ROCKET MOTOR

2. a spacecraft, missile, probe, etc. propelled by a rocket

vi.

1. to go like a rocket; dart ahead swiftly

2. to travel in a rocket

3. to soar; rise rapidly [prices rocketed]

vt.

1. to convey in a rocket

2. to attack by firing a rocket at

3. to propel with or as with sudden force [a hit song rocketing a singer to stardom]

rocket² [räk′it]

n.

[Fr roquette < It rochetta, var. of ruchetta, dim. < ruca, rocket < L eruca, kind of colewort]

1. any of various plants of the crucifer family, with white, yellow, pink, or purple flowers; esp., sea rocket (genus Cakile) found along seashores in Europe and North America

2. ARUGULA: also rocket salad

3. DAME'S VIOLET