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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
For startups, achieving escape velocity means gaining enough market traction, revenue and a solid customer base to move beyond failure.
—Richie Etwaru, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
But the team identified seven that were moving faster than the escape velocity of the cluster.
—Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 10 July 2024
Riding that demographic, Snap aimed for the stars and achieved escape velocity fast.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024
This process energizes the hydrogen atom, which can then exceed the planet’s escape velocity and escape to space.
—Eryn Cangi, The Conversation, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for escape velocity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escape velocity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near escape velocity
Cite this Entry
“Escape velocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escape%20velocity. Accessed 30 Sep. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on escape velocity
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escape velocity
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