velocity

[ vuh-los-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ve·loc·i·ties.

1. rapidity of motion or operation; swiftness; speed:

   a high wind velocity.

2. Mechanics. the time rate of change of position of a body in a specified direction.
3. the rate of speed with which something happens; rapidity of action or reaction.

velocity

/ vɪˈlɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. speed of motion, action, or operation; rapidity; swiftness
2. physics a measure of the rate of motion of a body expressed as the rate of change of its position in a particular direction with time. It is measured in metres per second, miles per hour, etc uvw
3. physics (not in technical usage) another word for speed

velocity

/ və-lŏs′ĭ-tē /

1. The speed and direction of motion of a moving body. Velocity is a vector quantity.
2. Compare acceleration

velocity

1. The vector giving the speed and direction of motion of any object.

Word History and Origins

Origin of velocity¹

First recorded in 1540–50, velocity is from the Latin word vēlōcitās speed. See velocipede, -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of velocity¹

C16: from Latin vēlōcitās, from vēlōx swift; related to volāre to fly

Synonym Study

See speed.

Example Sentences

That might sound like they’re nowhere near each other, but at the velocities these defunct objects move it’s starting to get a little too close for comfort.

From BBC

“It was a huge boost of confidence to know that, one, my velocity is there, and two, making sure I was controlling all my pitches in the zone.”

From Los Angeles Times

When Ohtani has looked susceptible, it is when he chases breaking stuff away or gets beat up and in with velocity.

From Los Angeles Times

The average velocity of his four-seam fastball was only 91 mph, down almost 2 mph from the regular season.

From Los Angeles Times

And with starting pitcher Jack Flaherty lacking both command and fastball velocity, Roberts had three fraught options before him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceleration
• momentum
• pace
• quickness
• tempo