rapid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a part of a river where the current is very fast
  2. adjective satellite done or occurring in a brief period of time
    • a rapid rise through the ranks
  3. adjective satellite characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed
    speedy.
    • a rapid movement
    • a speedy car
    • a speedy errand boy

WordNet

Rap"id adjective
Etymology
L. rapidus, fr. rapere to seize and carry off, to snatch or hurry away; perhaps akin to Gr. cf. F. rapide. Cf. Harpy, Ravish.
Definitions
  1. Very swift or quick; moving with celerity; fast; as, a rapid stream; a rapid flight; a rapid motion.
    Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels. Milton.
  2. Advancing with haste or speed; speedy in progression; in quick sequence; as, rapid growth; rapid improvement; rapid recurrence; rapid succession.
  3. Quick in execution; as, a rapid penman.
Rap"id noun
Etymology
Cf. F. rapide. See Rapid, a.
Definitions
  1. The part of a river where the current moves with great swiftness, but without actual waterfall or cascade; -- usually in the plural; as, the Lachine rapids in the St. Lawrence. sometimes called whitewater
    Row, brothers, row the stream runs fast, The rapids are near, and the daylight's past. Moore.

Webster 1913