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rapidity

[ruh-pid-i-tee]
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noun
  1. a rapid state or quality; quickness; celerity.
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Also rap·id·ness [rap-id-nis] /ˈræp ɪd nɪs/.

Origin of rapidity

From the Latin word rapiditās, dating back to 1610–20. See rapid, -ity

Synonyms

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swiftness, fleetness. See speed.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

alacrityswiftnessvelocityaccelerationrushcelerityexpeditionfleetnessbatdispatchgaitpacehastespeedinesshurryspeedpromptnessbrisknesspromptitude

Examples from the Web for rapidity

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • All these thoughts came to her with rapidity, as Crane talked with masterly judgment.

    Thoroughbreds

    W. A. Fraser

  • He fired his volley of explanation at his employer with the rapidity of a Maxim gun.

    Thoroughbreds

    W. A. Fraser

  • To Linda it was almost a miracle, the rapidity with which a house could be erected in California.

    Her Father's Daughter

    Gene Stratton-Porter

  • He was terrified at the rapidity with which he had been involved in such dangers—decoyed into it.

    The Secret Agent

    Joseph Conrad

  • Hence he moved with rapidity and precision, and was never taken by surprise.

Word Origin and History for rapidity

n.

1650s, from French rapidité and directly from Latin rapiditatem (nominative rapiditas) "swiftness, rapidity, velocity," from rapidus "hasty, swift, rapid" (see rapid).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper