escape velocity

noun

: the minimum velocity that a moving body (such as a rocket) must have to escape from the gravitational field of a celestial body (such as the earth) and move outward into space

Examples of escape velocity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And if our rate of self-improvement is fast enough, then our model improvement process will reach a point of escape velocity where improvements are not just linear or additive, but exponentially compounding. John Werner, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Gallagher points to escape velocity to understand the mechanics of a black hole. Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025 One way to boost particles above the escape velocity is through sunlight, which warms atmospheres and increases the odds that a few speedsters will break free. Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 This is significant because that speed exceeds the escape velocity of the Milky Way. Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for escape velocity

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of escape velocity was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Escape velocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escape%20velocity. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

escape velocity

noun
: the lowest velocity that a moving body (as a rocket) must have to escape from the field of gravity of the earth or of a heavenly body and move outward into space

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