[speed] n [ME spede, fr. OE sped; akin to OHG spuot prosperity, speed, OE spowan to succeed, L spes hope, L speti to be in time] (bef. 12c) 1 archaic: prosperity in an undertaking: success
2. a: the act or state of moving swiftly: swiftness b: rate of motion: as (1): velocity 1, 3a (2): the magnitude of a velocity irrespective of direction c: impetus
3: swiftness or rate of performance or action
4. a: the sensitivity of a photographic film, plate, or paper expressed numerically b: the light-gathering power of a lens or optical system c: the time during which a camera shutter is open
5: a transmission gear in automotive vehicles or bicycles--usu. used in combination "a ten-speed bicycle"
6: someone or something that appeals to one's taste 7: methamphetamine; also: a related stimulant drug and esp. an amphetamine syn see haste -- speed.ster n -- at speed chiefly Brit: fast, rapidly -- up to speed : operating at full effectiveness or potential
[2]speed vb sped or speed.ed ; speed.ing vi (bef. 12c) 1 a archaic: to prosper in an undertaking b archaic: get along, fare
2. a: to make haste "sped to her bedside" b: to go or drive at excessive or illegal speed
3: to move, work, or take place faster: accelerate "the heart ~s up" ~ vt 1 a archaic: to cause or help to prosper: aid b: to further the success of
2. a: to cause to move quickly: hasten b: to wish Godspeed to c: to increase the speed of: accelerate "~ed up the engine"
3: to send out "~ an arrow" -- speed.er n