I. ˈspēd noun
Etymology: Middle English spede, from Old English spēd; akin to Old High German spuot prosperity, speed, Old English spōwan to succeed, Latin spes hope, Lithuanian spėti to be in time
Date: before 12th century
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
(2) : the magnitude of a velocity irrespective of direction
c. : impetus
3. : swiftness or rate of performance or action : velocity 3a
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 — usually used in combination
a ten- speed bicycle
6. : someone or something that appeals to one's taste
just my speed
7. : methamphetamine ; also : a related stimulant drug and especially an amphetamine
Synonyms: see haste
• speed·ster ˈspēd-stər noun
•
- at speed
- up to speed
II. verb
( sped ˈsped ; or speed·ed ; speed·ing )
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
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 speed s up
transitive verb
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
3. : to send out
speed an arrow
• speed·er noun