rapid-fire
[rap-id-fahyuh r]
- characterized by, delivered, or occurring in rapid succession: rapid-fire questions; rapid-fire events.
- Military. discharging in rapid fire: rapid-fire rifles.
- discharging, operating, etc., at a rate more rapid than normal: a rapid-fire staple gun.
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Origin of rapid-fire
First recorded in 1885–90
rapid fire
- a rate of firing small arms that is intermediate between slow fire and quick fire.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for rapid-fire
Contemporary Examples
The show offers no cathartic “gotcha” moments, no easy answers, and no rapid-fire dialogue.
There are no cathartic ‘gotcha’ moments, no easy answers, and no rapid-fire dialogue.
Here, he riffs on his rapid-fire style, why politics is as funny as ever, and more.
P.J. O’Rourke Joins The Daily BeastDecember 17, 2013
Mixed in with his rapid-fire prophecies are plenty of provocative assessments of the present.
That seems like quite a long lapse in this day and age of rapid-fire foreign remakes (see: Let Me In).
Historical Examples
He shot his fingers in the air and began a rapid-fire conversation.
Madge Morton's SecretAmy D. V. Chalmers
He turned to the others, and in rapid-fire English, explained his plans.
Invaders from the InfiniteJohn Wood Campbell
The superiority of the Spaniards in rapid-fire guns was very great.
The Naval History of the United StatesWillis J. Abbot.
The girl listened to the rapid-fire pulsations of the boat ahead.
El DiabloBrayton Norton
We are going to leave on Sunday and our plans are perfected in rapid-fire order.
My Wonderful VisitCharlie Chaplin
rapid fire
- a fast rate of gunfire
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- firing shots rapidly
- denoting medium-calibre mounted guns designed for rapid fire
- done, delivered, or occurring in rapid succession
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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