muzzle velocity

noun

, Ordnance.

1. the speed of a projectile, usually expressed in feet or meters per second, as it leaves the muzzle of a gun.

muzzle velocity

noun

1. the velocity of a projectile as it leaves a firearm's muzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of muzzle velocity¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

A shorter barrel will reduce some muzzle velocity.

From Washington Post

A paintball pellet may have a muzzle velocity of about 300 feet per second, about one third that of many pistols.

From Washington Post

The weapons’ rapid rate of fire and high muzzle velocity allow the shooter to fire dozens of gunshots without needing to reload.

From Washington Post

By comparison, a .50-caliber round fired from a sniper rifle has a muzzle velocity of less than 900 meters a second.

From Washington Post

Gabor has proposed a more realistic definition of assault weapons that takes an objective, scientific approach based on lethality - as well as relevant factors like caliber, muzzle velocity, rate of fire, capacity and design flexibility.

From Washington Times