SINCE 1828
radial velocity
nounDefinition of radial velocity
1
: the component of velocity of a particle in the direction of its radius vector
2
or radial motion
: the velocity of relative approach or recession of an observer and a celestial body or other sources of radiation in the line connecting the two : speed in the line of sight
Comments on radial velocity
What made you want to look up radial velocity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share radial velocity
Resources for radial velocity