Rostock [key], city (1994 pop. 237,307), Mecklenburg–West Pomerania, NE Germany, on the Baltic Sea. It is an industrial center and a major seaport, with petroleum tank installations and shipyards, as well as fish-processing and shipbuilding industries. Manufactures include diesel engines, machinery, chemicals, and furniture. There is a large fishing fleet based at Rostock. Originally a Slavic fortress, Rostock was chartered in the 13th cent. It became one of the chief members of the Hanseatic League. Its university (founded 1419) was an important center of learning for N Germany and Scandinavia. The city was heavily damaged in World War II and was rebuilt as primary ocean port of the former East Germany. Historic structures include the 13th-century Church of St. Mary and parts of the medieval city walls and gates. Gebhard von Blücher, the Prussian general, was born (1742) in Rostock.
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