noun / verb
ricochet
RIK-uh-shay/ˈrɪkəʃeɪ/
A bounce off a surface at an angle.
The ball ricochets off the wall and flies across the yard.
Etymology
French ricochet described a shot or flat stone skipping across a surface. That image underlies the English verb for striking a surface and glancing away; the French word's deeper origin is uncertain.
More examples
- A ricochet sends the puck past the goalie.
- The bullet ricocheted off the pavement.
- The flat stone keeps ricocheting across the pond.
Forms
ricochet · ricochets · ricocheted · ricocheting