delta-v

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

This is an unmodified, but possibly outdated, definition from Wiktionary and used here under the Creative Commons license. Wiktionary is a great resource. If you like it too, please donate to Wikimedia.

This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.