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adj. swift·er, swift·est 1. Moving or capable of moving with great speed; fast. See Synonyms at fast1. 2. Coming, occurring, or accomplished quickly: a swift retort. 3. Quick to act or react: swift to take revenge. adv. Swiftly. Often used in combination: swift-running. n. 1. a. A cylinder on a carding machine. b. A reel used to hold yarn as it is being wound off. 2. Any of various small dark insect-eating birds of the family Apodidae, having long pointed wings and a short forked tail, and noted for their swift flight. 3. Any of various small, fast-moving North American lizards, especially of the genus Sceloporus. [Middle English, from Old English.] swiftly adv. swiftness n. |
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