rapid eye movement |
the rapid back-and-forth and up-and-down movements of the eyes during the phases of sleep when dreaming occurs. (abbrev.:REM) |
rapid-fire |
of guns, designed to fire shots in rapid succession. [2 definitions] |
rapidity |
a state or quality characterized by quickness. |
rapidly |
quickly; at a fast pace or in a short time. |
rapids |
a fast-moving part of a river or stream that flows over rocks and can be difficult or dangerous to navigate through (used with either a singular or plural verb). |
rapid transit |
a system of metropolitan public transportation, such as a subway, that uses elevated and underground electric trains moving quickly and unimpeded through the city. |
rapier |
a narrow-bladed, sharp-pointed sword used in the eighteenth century for thrusting. [2 definitions] |
rapine |
the taking of property by force; robbery; plunder. |
rappel |
the act of descending a sheer cliff or mountainside by means of a double rope around the body that allows the climber to control the rate of descent. [2 definitions] |
rappen |
the centime of Switzerland. |
rapper |
a door knocker. [3 definitions] |
rapport |
a sympathetic or agreeable relationship; mutual affinity. |
rapprochement |
the renewal or establishment of a friendly relationship, esp. between nations; state of reconciliation. |
rapscallion |
a mischievous person; rascal. |
rapt |
completely engrossed. [2 definitions] |
raptly |
with complete attention. |
raptor |
a bird of prey. |
raptorial |
preying upon other animals; predatory. [3 definitions] |
rapture |
extreme joy; ecstasy; bliss. [2 definitions] |
rapture of the deep |
the early stage of nitrogen narcosis, a condition experienced by deep-sea divers under increased air pressure that resembles the sensation of intoxication. |
rapturous |
feeling or showing great joy or ecstasy; blissful. |