velocity

noun ve·loc·i·ty \və-ˈlä-sə-tē, -ˈläs-tē\

: quickness of motion

plural ve·loc·i·ties

Full Definition of VELOCITY

a : quickness of motion : speed <the velocity of sound>

b : rapidity of movement <[my horse's] strong suit is grace & personal comeliness, rather than velocity — Mark Twain>

c : speed imparted to something <the power pitcher relies on velocity — Tony Scherman>

: the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time

a : rate of occurrence or action : rapidity <the velocity of historical change — R. J. Lifton>

b : rate of turnover <the velocity of money>

See velocity defined for English-language learners

See velocity defined for kids

Middle French velocité, from Latin velocitat-, velocitas, from veloc-, velox quick; probably akin to Latin vegēre to enliven — more at wake

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonyms: celerity, fastness, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speediness, swiftness, speed

VELOCITY Defined for Kids

noun ve·loc·i·ty \və-ˈlä-sə-tē\

plural ve·loc·i·ties

: quickness of motion : speed

Next Word in the Dictionary: velocity functionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: velocitizeAll Words Near: velocity

What made you want to look up velocity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).