English · Science & Technology
acceleration
/ək.sɛl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
[/ək.sɛl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/]
rate of speed change
Advancednoun
Definition
The rate at which the speed or direction of a moving object changes over time.
Example
The sports car is famous for its rapid acceleration from zero to a hundred kilometres an hour.
The sports car is famous for its rapid acceleration from zero to a hundred kilometres an hour.
Etymology
From Latin 'acceleratio', from 'accelerare' (to hasten), from 'ad-' plus 'celer' (swift).
How & Where It’s Used
A key concept in physics and in describing vehicle performance.