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TAKE THE QUIZescape velocity
noun
: the minimum velocity that a moving body (such as a rocket) must have to escape from the gravitational field of a celestial body (such as the earth) and move outward into space
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
The ecstasy and g-force thrill of achieving escape velocity from drab beginnings.
—
Hillary Kelly, The New Republic, 4 Jan. 2023
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Like how rockets on Earth must do, Nyan Cat would have to reach the escape velocity of the Moon.
—Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2013
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Your Tok’s ability to achieve escape velocity is directly proportional to your distance from your true self.
—WIRED, 16 Nov. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
See More
Hillary Kelly, The New Republic, 4 Jan. 2023
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Like how rockets on Earth must do, Nyan Cat would have to reach the escape velocity of the Moon.
—Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2013
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Your Tok’s ability to achieve escape velocity is directly proportional to your distance from your true self.
—WIRED, 16 Nov. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
Electron will deliver the spacecraft into a 165 km orbit above Earth, where the rocket's high-energy Photon upper stage will perform a number of burns to raise the spacecraft's orbit and reach escape velocity.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Aug. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'escape velocity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near escape velocity
Cite this Entry
“Escape velocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escape%20velocity. Accessed 27 Jan. 2023.
Kids Definition
escape velocity
noun
: the lowest velocity that a moving body (as a rocket) must have to escape from the field of gravity of the earth or of a heavenly body and move outward into space
More from Merriam-Webster on escape velocity
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escape velocity
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