Ricochet: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Ricochet' comes from the French word 'ricochet,' meaning 'to skip or bounce.'
• The French term is derived from 'ricochet' which implies a skipping or jolting action.
• The word has been used in English since the 19th century, showing its translation from French speaking contexts.

Physics

• Ricochet involves principles of physics such as angles of incidence and reflection, similar to how light reflects.
• The material of the object and the surface it hits affects how far and at what angle it bounces.
• Speed and angle of impact are critical in determining the ricochet’s trajectory.

Pop Culture

• Ricochet has appeared in many action movies where bullets bounce off objects, adding drama to scenes.
• The term is frequently used in video games to describe weapons or projectiles that can bounce and hit multiple targets.
• There’s even a sport called 'Ricochet' that involves bouncing balls off walls, emphasizing the playful nature of the word.

Sports

• In billiards, players aim for the cue ball to ricochet off cushions for strategic ball placements.
• Some sports equipment, like racquets, use materials designed to create controlled ricochets for better gameplay.
• The concept of ricochet applies to various ball games, where the bounce off walls or floors can change the game’s outcome.

Geometry

• Ricocheting can be described using geometric angles, where angles of incidence and reflection are equal.
• Studying how objects ricochet often leads to debates about geometric shapes and their properties.
• Bouncing balls are used in math demonstrations to explain concepts of trajectories and angles.

This word's position of #33,987 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33984 laving
• 33985 foraged
• 33986 outsize
• 33987 ricochet
• 33988 satirically
• 33989 solecism
• 33990 whirred
• ...