lapse rate

noun

: the adiabatic rate of decrease of atmospheric temperature with increasing altitude

Examples of lapse rate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Insurers counted on policy lapse rates — people giving up their policies or defaulting on payments — of about 4 percent annually. — Jonel Aleccia, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 This is called the lapse rate. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapse rate was in 1918

Rhymes for lapse rate

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapse%20rate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lapse rate

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