velocity
vuh-LOS-i-tee
/vəˈlɒsɪti/
The speed of something in a given direction.
Unlike 'speed,' velocity is a vector, meaning it requires a direction.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'velox,' meaning swift. While 'speed' is just how fast you go, 'velocity' is speed with a specific destination in mind. It entered English in the late Middle Ages as a term for rapid motion.
Word relationships
- speed: Speed is a scalar (how fast); velocity is a vector (how fast and in what direction).
- tempo: Tempo refers to the speed of music or a repeated activity.
- slowness: The quality of moving at a low speed.
Commonly confused with
- speed: Velocity includes direction; speed does not.
Word family
- velocities (noun): Plural form of velocity.
Collocations
- terminal velocity
- high velocity
- escape velocity
Example sentences
- "Velocity is the rate of change of position of an object with respect to time." A physics textbook.
- "The velocity of the puck was clocked at over 100 mph as it flew toward the net." Describing a hockey shot.
Memory hook
Velocity = Vector (Speed + Direction). Velocity = Very fast Speed.
When not to use
Do not use in casual conversation when 'speed' suffices, unless direction is relevant.
Fun facts
- Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches.
- Light travels at a constant velocity in a vacuum of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
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 → Motor & Racing Sports
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Classical Mechanics & Motion
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