terminal velocity

terminal velocity

n

1. (Physics / General Physics) the constant maximum velocity reached by a body falling under gravity through a fluid, esp the atmosphere

2. (Military / Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) the velocity of a missile or projectile when it reaches its target

3. (Military / Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) the maximum velocity attained by a rocket, missile, or shell flying in a parabolic flight path

4. (Engineering / Aeronautics) the maximum velocity that an aircraft can attain, as determined by its total drag

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1. Hypothetical maximum speed a body could attain along a specified flight path under given conditions of weight and thrust if diving through an unlimited distance in air of specified uniform density.
2. Remaining speed of a projectile at the point in its downward path where it is level with the muzzle of the weapon.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

terminal velocity - the constant maximum velocity reached by a body falling through the atmosphere under the attraction of gravity speed, velocity - distance travelled per unit time