velocity
vuh-LOSS-uh-tee
/vəˈlɒsɪti/
The speed of something in a given direction.
Unlike 'speed,' which is a scalar, velocity is a vector; it implies both how fast you are going and where you are headed.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'velox,' meaning swift, it entered English in the 15th century. It was later adopted by physicists like Newton to describe motion with direction.
Word relationships
- speed: Speed is just magnitude; velocity includes direction.
- pace: Pace usually refers to the rate of progress over time rather than instantaneous movement.
- stasis: A state of no movement or change.
Commonly confused with
- speed: Velocity requires a direction (e.g., 100mph North), whereas speed does not.
Word family
- velocities (noun): Plural form of velocity.
Collocations
- terminal velocity
- angular velocity
- constant velocity
Example sentences
- "The car reached a terminal velocity of 230 mph on the Mulsanne Straight." Technical racing report
- "Velocity is the soul of all things." Physics and racing
Memory hook
Think of a 'Velocity' sign pointing in a specific direction. V for Vector, V for Velocity.
When not to use
Avoid using it in casual conversation where 'speed' suffices, unless the direction of travel is specifically relevant.
Fun facts
- In orbital mechanics, 'escape velocity' is the speed needed to break free from a planet's gravity.
Related words
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Technology → Physics & Mechanics
- Time & History → Speed & Pace
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Mechanical Systems & Kinematics
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Aerospace & Aeronautics
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Fluid Dynamics & Hydraulics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Track & Field Athletics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Classical Mechanics & Motion
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