rocket science

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈrock•et ˌsci•ence, n. [uncountable]

1. Rocketry the science of rocket design and flight;
   rocketry.
2. something requiring great intelligence, esp. mathematical ability.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

rock′et sci′ence, 

1. Rocketry rocketry.
2. something requiring great intelligence, esp. mathematical ability.

rock′et sci′ence, 

1. Rocketry rocketry.
2. something requiring great intelligence, esp. mathematical ability.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rocket science noun

1. an activity requiring considerable intelligence and ability (esp in the phrase not exactly rocket science)

rocket scientist noun