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

This is roughly seven times the speed of sound—and about three times the muzzle velocity of a conventional naval gun.

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

It has a magazine holding five cartridges, a caliber of .299 inches, a muzzle velocity of 2,035 foot seconds, and is sighted to 3,000 yards.

From Kelly Miller's History of the World War for Human Rights by Miller, Kelly