rocketry
UK[ˈrɒkɪtri]US[ˈrɑːkɪtri]
n
the science or practice of building and launching rockets.
n
the technology or activity relating to rockets.
Morpheme Breakdown
rocket
ry
rocket
ry
Etymology
the word 'rocketry' is a modern english compound formed in the 20th century. its first element, 'rocket', originates from the italian 'rocchetta', a diminutive of 'rocca' meaning 'distaff', due to the visual resemblance of early fireworks to a spindle. the suffix '-ry', derived from old french '-erie', is used to form nouns indicating a related art, practice, or system. thus, the literal construction 'rocket-practice' logically evolved to denote the science, technology, and activity of designing, building, and launching rockets.
Analysis
Structure: rocket + ry
rocket (from italian rocchetta, meaning 'small distaff', later a cylindrical projectile); ry (from old french -erie, a noun-forming suffix denoting art, practice, or collection).
Examples
the country has made significant advances in military rocketry.
she pursued a career in rocketry and aerospace engineering.
the museum has an exhibit on the history of rocketry.