rapid

A section of river which is moving faster than the general current. Caused by either a constriction in the river or an increase in the angle of descent.

For the novice paddler, a rapid presents an obstacle which must be portaged. For an experienced paddler, a rapid can provide an entertaining interlude on a long canoe trip or a spot where she or he may play all day before heading home in the car.

Rap"id (?), a. [L. rapidus, fr. rapere to seize and carry off, to snatch or hurry away; perhaps akin to Gr. ; cf. F. rapide. Cf. Harpy, Ravish.]

1.

Very swift or quick; moving with celerity; fast; as, a rapid stream; a rapid flight; a rapid motion.

Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels.
Milton.

2.

Advancing with haste or speed; speedy in progression; in quick sequence; as, rapid growth; rapid improvement; rapid recurrence; rapid succession.

3.

Quick in execution; as, a rapid penman.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Rap"id, n. [Cf. F. rapide. See Rapid, a.]

The part of a river where the current moves with great swiftness, but without actual waterfall or cascade; -- usually in the plural; as, the Lachine rapids in the St. Lawrence.

<-- sometimes called whitewater -->

Row, brothers, row the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near, and the daylight's past.
Moore.

 

© Webster 1913.