airspeed

or air speed

[ air-speed ]

/ ˈɛərˌspid /

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noun

the forward speed of an aircraft relative to the air through which it moves.

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Compare groundspeed.

Origin of airspeed

First recorded in 1905–10; air¹ + speed

Words nearby airspeed

airside, air sign, air-slake, air sock, air space, airspeed, airspeed indicator, air-spray, air sprayer, air spring, air station

How to use airspeed in a sentence

A six-speed dial with top airspeed of 185 miles per hour offers plenty of flexibility, and the cushioned over mold grip brings users ample comfort during extended use.
Best leaf vacuum: With our picks for yard maintenance, you’ll have a clean lawn in the bag|Billy Cadden|July 21, 2021|Popular-Science
AmazonThis electric corded leaf blower vacuum is capable of collecting and distributing leaves and other debris with an airspeed of 80 to 210 miles per hour.
Best leaf vacuum: With our picks for yard maintenance, you’ll have a clean lawn in the bag|Billy Cadden|July 21, 2021|Popular-Science
In those conditions, it’s easy to misjudge airspeed and closing distances.
What We Know About the Deadly Alaskan Heli Crash|Marc Peruzzi|April 10, 2021|Outside Online
This hand-held, gas-powered unit delivers 430 CSM, with an airspeed of 200 MPH.
Leaf blowers that help you fight fallen foliage|PopSci Commerce Team|September 25, 2020|Popular-Science

Husqvarna’s general purpose leaf blower has a healthy CFM of 495, and an airspeed of 180 MPH.
Leaf blowers that help you fight fallen foliage|PopSci Commerce Team|September 25, 2020|Popular-Science
Gradually, he is able to gain airspeed and recover from the roll.
The Truth About Women in Combat|David Frum|March 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The pilot, a big-boned Britisher who had two jobs to do at once, watched the airspeed indicator.
What The Left Hand Was Doing|Gordon Randall Garrett
I've never had her above 2.5, but the airspeed gauge is marked up to four.
The Cosmic Computer|Henry Beam Piper

British Dictionary definitions for airspeed

airspeed

/ (ˈɛəˌspiːd) /

noun

the speed of an aircraft relative to the air in which it movesCompare groundspeed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012