escape velocity
Definition of escape velocity
es`cape´ vel`o´ci`ty
n.
1.
(Physics)
The
minimum
velocity
at
which
an
object
must
be
moving
in
order
for
it
to
overcome
the
gravitational
attraction
of
a
massive
celestial
body
,
such
as
the
earth
or
the
sun
,
and
escape
beyond
its
gravitational
field
into
free
space
.
The
velocity
is
calculated
as
though
attained
instantaneously
at
the
surface
of
the
celestial
body
,
and
is
pointed
directly
away
from
its
center
,
and
neglecting
effects
of
atmospheric
friction
.
Rockets
,
which
accelerate
gradually
and
are
moving
rapidly
at
a
high
altitude
when
their
fuel
is
exhausted
or
their
engines
shut
off
,
may
escape
even
if
moving
slightly
slower
at
that
point
than
the
surface
escape
velocity
.
Compare
orbital
velocity
.
Related Words
speed
,
velocity
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