~ 1
■ noun
1》 a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents.
↘a missile or spacecraft propelled by an engine providing thrust on the same principle.
2》 Brit. informal a severe reprimand.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 (of an amount, price, etc.) increase very rapidly and suddenly.
2》 move very rapidly.
3》 attack with ~-propelled missiles.
Origin
C17: from Fr. roquette , from Ital. rocchetto , dimin. of rocca 'distaff (for spinning)', with ref. to its cylindrical shape.
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~ 2
■ noun Brit. an edible Mediterranean plant of the cabbage family, eaten in salads. [ Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa .]
↘used in names of other fast-growing plants of this family, e.g. sweet ~ .
Origin
C15: from Fr. roquette , from Ital. ruchetta , dimin. of ruca , from L. eruca 'downy-stemmed plant'.