speed

I. noun Etymology: Middle English spede, from Old English spēd; akin to Old High German spuot prosperity, speed, Old English spōwan to succeed, Latin spes hope, Lithuanian spėti to be in time Date: before 12th century 1. archaic prosperity in an undertaking ; success 2. a. the act or state of moving swiftly ; swiftness b. rate of motion: as (1) velocity 1 (2) the magnitude of a velocity irrespective of direction c. impetus 3. swiftness or rate of performance or action ; velocity 3a 4. a. the sensitivity of a photographic film, plate, or paper expressed numerically b. the light-gathering power of a lens or optical system c. the time during which a camera shutter is open 5. a transmission gear in automotive vehicles or bicycles — usually used in combination <

a ten-speed bicycle

> 6. someone or something that appeals to one's taste <

just my speed

> 7. methamphetamine; also a related stimulant drug and especially an amphetamine Synonyms: see haste • speedster noun II. verb (sped or speeded; speeding) Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. a. archaic to prosper in an undertaking b. archaic get along, fare 2. a. to make haste <

sped to her bedside

> b. to go or drive at excessive or illegal speed 3. to move, work, or take place faster ; accelerate <

the heart speeds up

> transitive verb 1. a. archaic to cause or help to prosper ; aid b. to further the success of 2. a. to cause to move quickly ; hasten b. to wish Godspeed to c. to increase the speed of ; accelerate 3. to send out <

speed an arrow

> • speeder noun