rapid

American  

[rap-id] / ˈræp ɪd /

adjective

rapider, rapidest

1. occurring within a short time; happening speedily.

   rapid growth.

2. moving or acting with great speed; swift.

   a rapid worker.

3. characterized by speed.

   rapid motion.

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noun

1. Usually rapids a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.

rapid British  

/ ˈræpɪd, rəˈpɪdɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick

   a rapid transformation

2. characterized by high speed

   rapid movement

3. acting or moving quickly; fast

   a rapid worker

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Related Words

See quick.

Other Word Forms

• rapidity noun
• rapidly adverb
• ultrarapid adjective

Etymology

Origin of rapid

First recorded in 1625–35, rapid is from the Latin word rapidus “tearing away, seizing, swift”; rape ¹, -id ⁴

Example Sentences

This creates a highly efficient system that supports cell protrusion, adhesion and rapid shape changes.

From Science Daily

“Things are changing at such a rapid clip, you can’t get locked in or married to any one position. You have to constantly evaluation your positions and the competitive risks and the opportunities,” he said.

From MarketWatch

In theory, that limits the scenarios in which banks take a hit to only very severe and rapid losses among the underlying loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Antwerp set out to understand how this rapid burst of evolution was possible.

From Science Daily

But dealing with a rapid run-up in prices is a lot harder than dealing with a gradual one.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accelerated
• breakneck
• brisk
• expeditious
• fast
• hasty
• speedy
• swift