speed: Meaning and Definition of

speed

1. rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound.
2. relative rapidity in moving, going, etc.; rate of motion or progress: full speed ahead.
3. full, maximum, or optimum rate of motion: The car gets to speed in just nine seconds.
4. a transmission gear ratio.
1. Also calledfilm speed.the sensitivity of a film or paper to light, measured by an ASA or DIN index, which assigns low numbers to slow film and higher numbers to faster film.
2. Also calledshutter speed.the length of time a shutter is opened to expose film.
3. the largest opening at which a lens can be used.
6. a stimulating drug, as caffeine, ephedrine, or esp. methamphetamine or amphetamine.
7. a person or thing that is compatible with or typical of one's ability, personality, desires, etc.: My speed is writing postcards on the porch while everyone else is tearing around the tennis court.
8. success or prosperity.
9. We drove down the highway at full speed.
1. at the greatest speed possible:We drove down the highway at full speed.
2. to the maximum of one's capabilities; with great rapidity:He worked at full speed.
10. a new firm not yet up to speed.
1. operating at full or optimum speed.
2. functioning or producing at an expected, acceptable, or competitive level; up to par:a new firm not yet up to speed.

1. to promote the success of (an affair, undertaking, etc.); further, forward, or expedite.
2. to direct (the steps, course, way, etc.) with speed.
3. to increase the rate of speed of (usually fol. by up): to speed up industrial production.
4. to bring to a particular speed, as a machine.
5. to cause to move, go, or proceed with speed.
6. to expedite the going of: to speed the parting guest.
7. to cause to succeed or prosper.

1. to move, go, pass, or proceed with speed or rapidity.
2. to drive a vehicle at a rate that exceeds the legally established maximum: He was arrested for speeding.
3. to increase the rate of speed or progress (usually fol. by up).
4. to get on or fare in a specified or particular manner.
5. to succeed or prosper.