velocidad

Spanish

Etymology

From Latin vēlōcitās.

Pronunciation

• (Castilian) IPA^(key): /beloθiˈdad/, [beloθiˈðað]
• (Latin America) IPA^(key): /belosiˈdad/, [belosiˈðað]
• Hyphenation: ve‧lo‧ci‧dad

Noun

velocidad f (plural velocidades)

1. speed
2. (physics) velocity
3. (automotive) gear

Usage notes

In Mexico, when used colloquially referring to a particular interlocking of gears, and while talking to the driver, the noun "velocidad" (or "marcha") is frequently ommited, as its meaning is understood by driver:

• ¿En qué lo traes? (literally, "on what are you running it (the car)?" meaning "which gear have you set?")
• (Lo traigo) en quinta (meaning "on fifth gear")

See also

• rapidez
• celeridad