rapid

[ rap-id ]
/ ˈræp ɪd /

adjective, sometimes rap·id·er, rap·id·est.

occurring within a short time; happening speedily: rapid growth.
moving or acting with great speed; swift: a rapid worker.
characterized by speed: rapid motion.

noun

Usually rapids. a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.

Origin of rapid

First recorded in 1625–35, rapid is from the Latin word rapidus tearing away, seizing, swift. See rape1, -id4

OTHER WORDS FROM rapid

rap·id·ly, adverb ul·tra·rap·id, adjective ul·tra·rap·id·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rapid

fast quick rapid swift (see synonym study at quick)

Example sentences from the Web for rapid

British Dictionary definitions for rapid

rapid
/ (ˈræpɪd) /

adjective

(of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick a rapid transformation
characterized by high speed rapid movement
acting or moving quickly; fast a rapid worker
See also rapids

Derived forms of rapid

rapidly, adverb rapidity (rəˈpɪdɪtɪ) or rapidness, noun

Word Origin for rapid

C17: from Latin rapidus tearing away, from rapere to seize; see rape 1