swift
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Middle English, from Old English swift (“swift, quick”), from Proto-Germanic *swiftaz (“swift, quick”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)weip-, *(s)weib- (“to twist, wind around”). Cognate with Icelandic svipta (“to pull quickly”), Old English swīfan (“to revolve, sweep, wend, intervene”). More at swivel.
Pronunciation [edit]
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Audio (US) (file)
Adjective [edit]
swift (comparative swifter, superlative swiftest)
- fast; quick; rapid.
- 2011 November 12, “International friendly: England 1-0 Spain”, BBC Sport:
- Spain were provoked into a response and Villa almost provided a swift equaliser when he rounded Hart but found the angle too acute and could only hit the side-netting.
- 2011 November 12, “International friendly: England 1-0 Spain”, BBC Sport:
- Capable of moving at high speeds.
Translations [edit]
fast; quick
Noun [edit]
Wikipedia swift (plural swifts)
- (obsolete) The current of a stream.
- A small plain-colored bird (of the family Micropodidæ) that resembles a swallow and is noted for its rapid flight. Common European swift: Cypselus, ∨ Micropus, apus. The common American, or chimney, swift: Chætura pelagica. The Australian swift: Chætura caudacuta. The European Alpine swift: Cypselus melba. The common Indian swift: Cypselus affinis.
- A western fence lizard, swift, blue-belly, Sceloporus occidentalis -- (common western lizard; seen on logs or rocks)
- The ghost moth.
Translations [edit]
bird
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Derived terms [edit]
See also [edit]
- black martin
- black swift
- hawk swallow
- devil bird
- devil screecher
- swingdevil
- screech martin
- shriek owl
- chimney swallow
- palm swift
- tree swift
- pine lizard
Old English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From the verb swīfan
Adjective [edit]
swift
Descendants [edit]
- English: swift