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 time3 a: rate of occurrence or action : rapidity <the velocity of historical change — R. J. Lifton> b: rate of turnover <the velocity of money>

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