Rockets Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rockets
[หrษkษชts ]
Definitions
space exploration
Rockets are vehicles or devices that are propelled by the ejection of combustion gases out of a nozzle. They are commonly used for space exploration and satellite launches.
Synonyms
launcher, missile, spacecraft.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| missile |
A guided or unguided weapon designed to be propelled towards a target, often in the context of military and defense. This word can have a negative connotation because it is associated with conflict or destruction.
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| spacecraft |
A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space. It is generally used in the context of space exploration and research.
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| launcher |
A device or structure used to launch a rocket, missile, or spacecraft. It can also refer to a software program that runs or launches other programs.
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Examples of usage
- The rocket successfully launched the satellite into orbit.
- NASA is planning to send a manned mission to Mars using rockets.
NBA basketball
In basketball, a rocket is a quick and powerful player who excels in scoring and speed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rockets |
Sometimes used humorously to describe someone or something that aggressively moves forward or takes action quickly.
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| speedster |
Describes a person, usually an athlete, who is very fast, often used in track and field or motorsports.
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| scorer |
Typically used in sports to describe someone who scores points, goals, or runs.
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Examples of usage
- James Harden is known for his skills as a rocket on the court.
- The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team in the NBA.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'rocket' comes from the Italian word 'rocchetto,' meaning 'little bobbin,' which refers to the shape of early rocket designs.
- In the 13th century, the first recorded use of rockets in warfare occurred in China with gunpowder-filled tubes.
- The first successful launch of a liquid-fueled rocket occurred in 1926, thanks to American inventor Robert Goddard.
Science
- Rockets work on the principle of Newtonโs third law: for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction, explaining how they propel forward.
- Most rockets are multi-stage, allowing them to jettison parts as they ascend, reducing weight and increasing speed.
- They produce thrust by burning fuel and expelling gas, reaching speeds of up to 17,500 miles per hour to break free from Earthโs gravity.
Pop Culture
- The iconic phrase 'To infinity and beyond!' from the Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear has popularized fascination with space travel.
- Many movies, like 'Interstellar' and 'The Martian,' showcase rocket technology as essential for human exploration of distant planets.
- Video games like Kerbal Space Program let players build and launch rockets, sparking interest in engineering and space science.
Literature
- Science fiction literature often features rockets as a key mode of travel, influencing public perception about space exploration.
- Classic works like Jules Verne's 'From the Earth to the Moon' inspired many real-life rocketry efforts in the 20th century.
- The 'Earthseed' series by Octavia Butler imagines future societies dependent on space travel, illustrating the cultural impact of rockets.
Modern Technology
- Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are revolutionizing rocket technology by making space travel more accessible and affordable.
- Modern rockets use advanced computer systems for navigation and control, improving safety and efficiency.
- Reusable rocket technology, pioneered by SpaceX, allows rockets to return to Earth intact, reducing costs for future launches.
Origin of 'rockets'
The word 'rockets' has its origins in the Italian word 'rochetto' or 'rochetta', meaning 'a bobbin, spool, or firework'. The use of rockets as a means of propulsion dates back to ancient China, where gunpowder-filled tubes were used as fireworks. Over time, rockets evolved into the powerful vehicles we know today, capable of reaching outer space and beyond.