Rocket \Rock"et\, n. [It. rocchetta, fr. rocca a distaff, of
German origin. Named from the resemblance in shape to a
distaff. See Rock a distaff.]
1. An artificial firework consisting of a cylindrical case of
paper or metal filled with a composition of combustible
ingredients, as niter, charcoal, and sulphur, and fastened
to a guiding stick. The rocket is projected through the
air by the force arising from the expansion of the gases
liberated by combustion of the composition. Rockets are
used as projectiles for various purposes, for signals, and
also for pyrotechnic display.
[1913 Webster]
2. A blunt lance head used in the joust.
[1913 Webster]
3. any flying device propelled by the reactive force of hot
gases expelled in the direction opposite its motion. The
fuel used to generate the expelled gases in rockets may be
solid or liquid; rockets propelled by liquid fuels
typically have a combustible fuel (such as hydrogen or
kerosene) which is combined inside the rocket engine with
an oxidizer, such as liquid oxygen. Single liquid fuels
(called monopropellants) are also known. Since rocket
engines do not depend on a surrounding fluid medium to
generate their thrust, as do airplanes with propellers or
jet engines, they may be used for propulsion in the vacuum
of space.
[PJC]
Congreve rocket, a powerful form of rocket for use in war,
invented by Sir William Congreve. It may be used either in
the field or for bombardment; in the former case, it is
armed with shells or case shot; in the latter, with a
combustible material inclosed in a metallic case, which is
inextinguishable when kindled, and scatters its fire on
every side.
[1913 Webster]
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