terminal velocity









terminal velocity


noun

  1. Physics.
    1. the velocity at which a falling body moves through a medium, as air, when the force of resistance of the medium is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force of gravity.
    2. the maximum velocity of a body falling through a viscous fluid.
  2. Rocketry, Ballistics.
    1. the greatest speed that a rocket, missile, etc., attains after burnout or after leaving the barrel of a gun.
    2. the speed of a missile or projectile on impact with its target.

noun

  1. the constant maximum velocity reached by a body falling under gravity through a fluid, esp the atmosphere
  2. the velocity of a missile or projectile when it reaches its target
  3. the maximum velocity attained by a rocket, missile, or shell flying in a parabolic flight path
  4. the maximum velocity that an aircraft can attain, as determined by its total drag
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