Main Entry: ve·loc·i·ty

Pronunciation: \və-ˈlä-sə-tē, -ˈläs-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ve·loc·i·ties

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

Date: 15th century

1 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>
2 : the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time : the derivative of position with respect to time
3 a : rate of occurrence or action : rapidity <the velocity of historical change — R. J. Lifton> b : rate of turnover <the velocity of money>