speed

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speed

speed change in distance with respect to time. Speed is a scalar rather than a vector quantity; i.e., the speed of a body tells one how fast the body is moving but not the direction of the motion. If during time t a body travels over a distance s, then the average speed of that body is equal to s/t. The speed and direction of a body's motion together determine the body's velocity .

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speed

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

speed Rate of motion of a body. Speed is a scalar (magnitude only) which does not specify direction, whereas velocity is a vector (magnitude and direction). An object's speed is calculated by dividing the distance s it has travelled by the time t taken, and this is expressed as v=s/t and given in metres per second (ms^-1) or kilometres/miles per hour.

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speed

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

speed / spēd/ • n. 1. rapidity of movement or action: the accident was due to excessive speed| fig. they were bemused by the speed of events. ∎ the rate at which someone or something is able to move or operate: the car has a top speed of 147 mph. ∎ each of the possible gear ratios of a bicycle or motor vehicle. ∎ the sensitivity of photographic film to light. ∎ the light-gathering power or f-number of a camera lens. ∎ the duration of a photographic exposure. 2. inf. an amphetamine drug, esp. methamphetamine. 3. inf. something that matches one's tastes or inclinations: oak tables and chairs are more his speed. 4. archaic success; prosperity: wish me good speed. • v. (past sped / sped/ or speed·ed ) 1. [intr.] move quickly: I got into the car and home we sped. ∎ [intr.] (of a motorist) travel at a speed that is greater than the legal limit: the car that crashed was speeding. ∎ (speed up) move or work more quickly: you force yourself to speed up because you don't want to keep others waiting. ∎ [tr.] cause to move, act, or happen more quickly: recent initiatives have sought to speed up decision-making. 2. [tr.] archaic make prosperous or successful: may God speed you. 3. [intr.] inf. take or be under the influence of an amphetamine drug: more kids than ever are speeding, tripping, and getting stoned. PHRASES: at speed quickly: a car flashed past them at speed. up to speed operating at full speed. ∎ (of a person or company) performing at an anticipated rate or level. ∎ (of a person) fully informed or up to date: that reminds me to bring you up to speed on the soap opera. DERIVATIVES: speed·er n.

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