The word 'rapid' originally came from French (USA) as 'rapide'

'Rapid' is a word borrowed from French (USA) 'rapide'. The word entered the English language some time around 1634.

rapid [adjective] [1634]

Marked by a fast rate of motion, activity, succession, or occurrence

See 'rapid' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French (USA).

note: A fast-flowing and turbulent part of the course of a river.
Etymology: Latin 'rapidus' seizing, sweeping, rapid, from 'rapere' to seize, sweep away; akin to Lithuanian ap'rėpti' to embrace

See more loan words from 1600s.