How Do You Spell RICOCHET?

1. Ricochet is a noun and a verb that describes the action of a projectile rebounding or bouncing off a surface after hitting it at an angle. As a noun, it refers to the path or trajectory taken by the object in the rebound. When used as a verb, it means to bounce back or rebound off a surface after impact.

   In terms of its physical characteristics, a ricochet typically occurs when the projectile strikes a hard surface at an inclined angle, causing it to lose some of its energy, change direction, and continue moving in a new path. The new trajectory may vary in direction, speed, and distance depending on the angle and speed at which the projectile initially struck the surface.

   The phenomenon of ricochet is commonly observed in various activities such as shooting sports, ball games, and even in everyday situations where objects rebound off walls, floors, or other surfaces. Ricochets can be unpredictable, making them potentially dangerous or unsafe, especially when they occur in close proximity to people.

   Metaphorically, the term "ricochet" can also refer to the indirect or unintended consequences, effects, or impacts resulting from an action or event. It suggests that even seemingly unrelated events or actions can have unforeseen consequences that reverberate or bounce back in unexpected ways.

2. • The projection of shot or shell in such a manner as to insure its striking the ground at a certain point, and afterwards bounding along the surface; the guns fired for ricochet are but slightly elevated, and have a diminished charge.

   • To fire shot or shell from a gun so as to bound along the surface; to operate by ricochet.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for RICOCHET *

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Other Common Misspellings for RICOCHET

The word "ricochet" comes from the French word "ricocher", which originally meant "to skip stones on water". "Ricochet" is derived from the Old French words "ricochier" or "ricochet", which referred to the same action of a stone bouncing off the surface of water. The exact origin of the French word is uncertain, but it is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound produced by the stone skipping or bouncing off the water. Over time, the term "ricochet" came to be associated with the rebounding or bouncing of any object off a surface, not just stones on water. This connotation gradually expanded to encompass the current definition of "ricochet" as a sudden and unpredictable change in direction after hitting an obstacle.

Idioms with the word RICOCHET

Plural form of RICOCHET is RICOCHETS

Conjugate verb Ricochet

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