an inclined plane, either artificial or natural, down which timber, coal, etc., are caused to slide; also, a narrow passage, either natural or artificial, in a stream, where the water rushes rapidly; esp., a channel, having a swift current, connecting the ends of a bend in the stream, so as to shorten the course.-to let fly, or cause to be driven, with force, as an arrow or a bullet; -- followed by a word denoting the missile, as an object.-to discharge, causing a missile to be driven forth; -- followed by a word denoting the weapon or instrument, as an object; -- often with off; as, to shoot a gun.-to strike with anything shot; to hit with a missile; often, to kill or wound with a firearm; -- followed by a word denoting the person or thing hit, as an object.-to send out or forth, especially with a rapid or sudden motion; to cast with the hand; to hurl; to discharge; to emit.-to push or thrust forward; to project; to protrude; -- often with out; as, a plant shoots out a bud.-to plane straight; to fit by planing.-to pass rapidly through, over, or under; as, to shoot a rapid or a bridge; to shoot a sand bar.-to variegate as if by sprinkling or intermingling; to color in spots or patches.-to cause an engine or weapon to discharge a missile; -- said of a person or an agent; as, they shot at a target; he shoots better than he rides.-to discharge a missile; -- said of an engine or instrument; as, the gun shoots well.-to be shot or propelled forcibly; -- said of a missile; to be emitted or driven; to move or extend swiftly, as if propelled; as, a shooting star.-to penetrate, as a missile; to dart with a piercing sensation; as, shooting pains.-to feel a quick, darting pain; to throb in pain.-to germinate; to bud; to sprout.-to grow; to advance; as, to shoot up rapidly.-to change form suddenly; especially, to solidify.-to protrude; to jut; to project; to extend; as, the land shoots into a promontory.-to move ahead by force of momentum, as a sailing vessel when the helm is put hard alee.-the act of shooting; the discharge of a missile; a shot; as, the shoot of a shuttle.-a young branch or growth.-a rush of water; a rapid.-a vein of ore running in the same general direction as the lode.-a weft thread shot through the shed by the shuttle; a pick.-a shoat; a young hog.