| rocket | 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. 2. A blunt lance head used in the joust. 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. Origin: It. Rocchetta, fr. Rocca a distaff, of German origin. Named from the resemblance in shape to a distaff. See Rock a distaff. <botany> A cruciferous plant (Eruca sativa) sometimes eaten in Europe as a salad. <botany> A common cruciferous weed with yellow flowers (Barbarea vulgaris). Origin: F. Roquette (cf. Sp. Ruqueta, It ruchetta), fr. L. Eruca. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| rocket immunoelectrophoresis | A quantitative method for serum proteins which involves electrophoresis of antigen into a gel containing antibody; the technique is restricted to detection of antigens that move to the positive pole on electrophoresis. See: electroimmunodiffusion. Two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, a combination of conventional electrophoretic separation and electroimmunodiffusion; electrophoresis is first carried out, then the electrophoretic strip is placed on a second slide and an antibody-containing agarose solution is allowed to solidify adjacent to it; electrophoresis is then performed at right angles to the original separation. Synonym: crossed immunoelectrophoresis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| water rocket | 1. <botany> A cruciferous plant (Nasturtium sylvestre) with small yellow flowers. 2. A kind of firework to be discharged in the water. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| sea rocket | <botany> See Rocket. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |