1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by combustion of its contents, used esp. as a firework or signal.
2 an engine using a similar principle but not dependent on air intake for its operation.
3 a rocket-propelled missile, spacecraft, etc.
4 Brit. sl. a severe reprimand.
--v. (rocketed, rocketing)
1. tr. bombard with rockets.
2 intr. a move rapidly upwards or away. b increase rapidly (prices rocketed).
Etymology: F roquette f. It. rochetto dimin. of rocca ROCK(2), with ref. to its cylindrical shape 2. n.1 (also sweet rocket) any of various fast-growing plants, esp. of the genus Hesperis or Sisymbrium.
2 a cruciferous annual plant, Eruca sativa, grown for salad.
Phrases and idioms:
wall-rocket a yellow-flowered weed, Diplotaxis muralis, emitting a foul smell when crushed. yellow rocket winter cress.
Etymology: F roquette f. It. rochetta, ruchetta dimin. of ruca f. L eruca downy-stemmed plant