SPEED


Meaning of SPEED in English

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.