Rocket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rocket
[ˈrɒkɪt ]
Definitions
space exploration
A rocket is a vehicle or device that is designed to be propelled through the air or space by a rocket engine. Rockets are commonly used for space exploration, satellite launches, and military purposes.
Synonyms
missile, projectile, spacecraft.
Examples of usage
- The rocket successfully launched the satellite into orbit.
- She watched in awe as the rocket blasted off into space.
fireworks
A rocket is a cylindrical firework that is propelled into the air and explodes with a colorful display. Rockets are often used in celebrations and festivals.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The sky was lit up with rockets during the New Year's Eve fireworks display.
- We set off a rocket to celebrate the victory.
move swiftly
To rocket means to move or progress very quickly or forcefully in a particular direction. This term is often used in contexts related to speed or acceleration.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The car rocketed down the highway at breakneck speed.
- The company's stock price rocketed after the positive earnings report.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The earliest rockets were developed in China during the 13th century for use in fireworks and military applications.
- The word 'rocket' comes from the Italian 'rocchetto', meaning 'little wood' or 'bobbin', which describes the shape of early designs.
- In the 20th century, a significant leap in rocket technology came from the work of scientists like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and Wernher von Braun.
Science
- Rockets operate on the principle of Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Fuel in rockets is burned to create thrust, allowing them to escape Earth's gravity and travel into space.
- Rockets can be either solid-fueled or liquid-fueled, impacting how they are designed and operated.
Pop Culture
- Rockets are featured in numerous movies and books, symbolizing exploration and adventure, like in 'Star Wars' and 'The Martian'.
- The song 'Rocket Man' by Elton John uses the metaphor of a space traveler to explore feelings of isolation and longing.
- Video games often depict rockets in their gameplay, allowing players to experience the thrill of space travel.
Technology
- Modern rockets are used for various purposes, including launching satellites, scientific research, and crewed missions to explore space.
- The SpaceX Falcon 9 has revolutionized space travel by making rockets reusable, which significantly reduces the cost of access to space.
- NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon using advanced rocket technology, paving the way for future Mars missions.
Literature
- In literature, rockets symbolize ambition and the human desire to explore the unknown, often seen in works by authors like Jules Verne.
- Ray Bradbury's 'The Illustrated Man' features stories that reflect humanity's relationship with technology, often involving space travel.
- Children's books like 'The Darkest Dark' by Chris Hadfield inspire young readers to dream about becoming astronauts and reaching for the stars.
Origin of 'rocket'
The word 'rocket' originated from the Italian word 'rocchetta', meaning 'little fuse'. The use of rockets dates back to ancient China, where gunpowder-filled tubes were used as weapons. Over time, rockets evolved into the powerful engines used for space exploration and propulsion. Rockets have played a crucial role in scientific advancements, space missions, and military technology.