Rocket

Definition

A rocket refers to a spacecraft, missile, or vehicle designed to travel in the outer space propelled by one or more rocket engines. It can also refer to a type of arugula used in salads.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɑkɪt/
• Respelling: RAH-kit (with "RAH" as in "father," and "kit" as in "kit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɒkɪt/
• Respelling: ROK-it (with "ROK" as in "cot," and "it" as in "kit")

In both dialects, "rocket" has a similar structure with a stressed first syllable followed by a short "i" sound in the second syllable. The primary difference lies in the vowel sound of the first syllable, which reflects the typical vowel sound differences between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "rocket" has its roots in the Italian word "rochetto," which means "a little spindle," derived from Latin "rota," which means wheel. This term was used due to the cylindrical shape of early rockets resembling that of a spindle.

Derivatives

• Rocketry (noun)
• Rocketeer (noun)
• Rocket-like (adjective)
• Rocketship (noun)
• Rocket-powered (adjective)

Synonyms

• Missile
• Spacecraft
• Projectile

Antonyms

None

Usage

The term "rocket" is widely used in aerospace engineering and space exploration to refer to vehicles and devices propelled by rocket engines. It is also a common term in the culinary world for a particular type of leafy green vegetable (arugula).

Related Terms

• Propulsion
• Space Shuttle
• Aerospace
• Orbit
• Jet propulsion

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Spacecraft or Missile: A vehicle designed to travel in the atmosphere or space propelled by one or more rocket engines.‍
• Example: The space agency launched a rocket to send supplies to the International Space Station.

• Arugula (Eruca vesicaria): A type of leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavor, also known as arugula, especially in British English.‍
• Example: I enjoy a salad made with rocket, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.

• Projectile: Any object propelled through space, especially by the application of force, but specifically referring to devices propelled by rocket engines.‍
• Example: The military used a rocket to intercept the incoming missile.

Verb

• To move swiftly and directly up or along; soar: "Her career rocketed after the release of her hit album."
• To cause to rise or increase dramatically: "Sales rocketed after the new advertising campaign was launched."
• To attack with rockets: "Rebel forces rocketed the government-held positions overnight."