air speedn.
/ˈɛː spiːd/, U.S. /ˈɛr ˌspid/ 1. The velocity of moving air or wind. Cf. wind-speed n. at wind n.1 Compounds 1a(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > [noun] > in the physical sciences > of moving air or wind
air speed1905
the world > matter > gas > air > moving air > [noun] > speed of moving air
air speed1905
1905 Proc. Royal Soc. B. 76 83 The thermal emissivity of a leaf of this nature..increases by 0.00017 calorie per square centimetre per minute for an increased air speed of 1 metre per minute.
1922 Encycl. Brit. XXX. 27/1 The larger Eiffel tunnel gives an air speed of 40 metres per second.
1950 H. J. Barre & L. L. Sammet Farm Structures xiii. 211 High air speeds accelerate elimination of body heat and thus are useful in hot weather.
2002 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 24 Oct. 43/4 If the air speed is sufficiently low then the air flows in a simple smooth pattern over the surface of the ball.
2. The velocity of an aircraft (or of anything travelling through the air, as a bird, insect, etc.) in relation to the air through which it is moving. Cf. ground speed n. at ground n. Compounds 1d(d).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > navigation of course of aircraft > [noun] > speed
sinking speed1860
air speed1909
land-speed1910
landing speed1911
flying speed1917
1909 Times 2 June 12/1 We may assume the still air speed of the ship [sc. Zeppelin] to be 22 miles an hour.
1942 Gen 15 July 50/1 Watch that airspeed! Eleven hundred and you're levelling out.
1984 J. Douglas Harvey Laughter-Silvered Wings 15 One or two of the aircraft did have airspeed indicators fastened on an outer strut.
2003 Proc. Royal Soc. B. 270 2423/1 The component of the wind.., at right angles to the homeward vector, is plotted against the same component of the bees' air speed.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1905