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rapid

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Rapid is defined as something that is fast or quick or that happens in a short time.

(adjective)

When your breathing becomes really fast, this is an example of a time when you experience rapid breathing.
When a government goes down hill really quickly, this is an example of a time when it experiences a rapid decline.

The definition of a rapid is a turbulent part of a river where the current flows quickly.

(noun)

A narrow part of river bed where the current is flowing rapidly is an example of a rapid.

See rapid in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

moving, progressing, or occurring with speed; swift; fast; quick

Origin: L rapidus < rapere, to seize, rush: see rape

noun

a part of a river where the current is relatively swift, as because of a narrowing of the river bed
a rapid transit car, train, or system

Related Forms:

rapidity noun or rapidness
rapidly adverb

See rapid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective rap·id·er, rap·id·est

Moving, acting, or occurring with great speed. See Synonyms at fast¹.

noun

An extremely fast-moving part of a river, caused by a steep descent in the riverbed. Often used in the plural.

Origin:

Origin: Latin rapidus

Origin: , from rapere, to seize; see rep- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

ra·pidˈi·ty (rə-pĭdˈĭ-tē), rapˈid·ness (răpˈĭd-nĕs) noun

rapˈid·ly adverb

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