escape velocity
noun/ɪsˈkeɪp vəˈlɒsɪti/
1
Astrophysics The minimum speed needed to escape the gravitational field of a planet or other body.
- The gravitational force exerted by a planet determines its surface gravity and escape velocity.1996, Thomas Arny, Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, McGraw-Hill Science, page 74:
2
Figuratively A major breakthrough or milestone; momentum.
- “All signs point to Netflix having reached escape velocity, with subscribers scaling far faster than investors expected,” Mr. Greenfield said.2024 April 18, Nicole Sperling, Benjamin Mullin, quoting Rich Greenfield, “Netflix Added More Than 9 Million Subscribers in First Quarter”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 30 Apr 2024: