Velocity
/vəˈlɒs.ɪ.ti/noun
The speed of something in a given direction.
Did you know?In medieval alchemical texts, 'velocity' was often linked to the rapid movement of spiritual transformations, suggesting a magical force behind change.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“to be strong, to be lively.”
Latin
Latin
velocitas
“swiftness, speed, quickness.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
velocitas
“the quality of being swift.”
14th Century
Middle English
velocite
“rapid movement or speed.”
Modern English
English
velocity
“the rate of change of position in a particular direction.”