First Known Use: 1634
Dictionary
1rapid
adjective rap·id \ˈra-pəd\
: happening in a short amount of time : happening quickly
: having a fast rate
: moving quickly
Full Definition of RAPID
: marked by a fast rate of motion, activity, succession, or occurrence
— rap·id·ly adverb
— rap·id·ness noun
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See rapid defined for kids
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Origin of RAPID
Latin rapidus seizing, sweeping, rapid, from rapere to seize, sweep away; akin to Lithuanian aprėpti to embrace
Related to RAPID
Synonym Discussion of RAPID
fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves <fast horses> and rapid to the movement itself <rapid current>. swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness <fleet runners>. quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time <a quick wit>. speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment <speedy delivery of mail> and may also suggest unusual velocity. hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness <a hasty inspection>. expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment <the expeditious handling of an order>.
2rapid
noun
Definition of RAPID
: a part of a river where the current is fast and the surface is usually broken by obstructions —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
First Known Use of RAPID
1765
RAPID[1] Defined for Kids
rapid
adjective rap·id \ˈra-pəd\
Definition of RAPID for Kids
: very fast <a rapid current> <rapid progress>
— rap·id·ly adverb
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