Střela

Střela is a Czech word with multiple meanings, primarily revolving around the concept of a projectile or something that is rapidly propelled towards a target. Its specific meaning depends heavily on the context.

Meanings:

• Projectile: This is the most common and literal meaning. It refers to an object launched with force, such as an arrow, bullet, missile, or rocket. This meaning is often associated with weapons or sports involving projectiles.

• Missile: Specifically referring to a self-propelled guided weapon, like a rocket or cruise missile. This is a more specialized usage of the word relating to military applications.

• Shot: In the context of sports, particularly ball games like soccer or hockey, střela refers to the act of shooting, or the shot itself. It describes the attempt to propel the ball or puck towards the goal.

• Lightning: (Archaic) Less commonly used today, střela can poetically refer to a bolt of lightning, emphasizing its speed and destructive power. This usage is now largely replaced by other words like blesk.

• Figurative Usage: Střela can be used metaphorically to describe something that moves very quickly or has a sudden and forceful impact. For example, a piece of news spreading rapidly might be described as a "střela."

Grammatical Information:

• Gender: Feminine (ženský rod)
• Plural: Střely
• Declension: Follows the typical feminine noun declension pattern in Czech.

Related Words:

• Střílet: The verb "to shoot."
• Střelnice: Shooting range.
• Střelec: Shooter, marksman, gunner (also, in sports, the player who scores).

Overall:

Střela is a versatile Czech word with a primary meaning related to projectiles, but it also extends to other concepts involving speed, force, and directed movement. Its specific meaning is always determined by the context in which it is used.