delta-v

English

Etymology

delta (“change”) +‎ v (“velocity”)

Noun

delta-v (plural delta-vs)

1. (physics) A vector change in velocity, especially a small change as a result of a corresponding change in some other parameter
2. (astronautics) the maximum change in the scalar speed of a rocket if the rocket were operated in a vacuum away from external forces
3. (astronautics) a minimum scalar requirement for rocket delta-v to be able to achieve a particular manoeuvre