muzzle velocity

American  

noun

Ordnance.

1. the speed of a projectile, usually expressed in feet or meters per second, as it leaves the muzzle of a gun.

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muzzle velocity British  

noun

1. the velocity of a projectile as it leaves a firearm's muzzle

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Etymology

Origin of muzzle velocity

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

However, if it is given a higher muzzle velocity, vb, its higher speed carries it farther before it hits the ground at point b.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The faster the muzzle velocity, the stronger the rails must be, both to avoid buckling and to resist erosion from the friction created by the accelerating armature.

From Economist • May 7, 2015

They combine the accuracy and added muzzle velocity of a very stable rifle with the firepower of a rapid semiautomatic weapon.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2013

The greater the muzzle velocity, the farther away from the mountain the bullet will land.

From Scientific American • Mar. 4, 2011

There's a big difference between a shot flying away from you with all its muzzle velocity, and another one which is coming towards you and only needs a slight deflection to strike the magnet.

From The Stark Munro Letters by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir