1 lapse rate | Definition of lapse rate

lapse rate

noun

Definition of lapse rate

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

Examples of lapse rate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That created a very intense lapse rate in the atmosphere, where air temperature decreased very rapidly with altitude. Robin George Andrews, National Geographic, "Lightning struck near the North Pole 48 times. It's not normal.," 13 Aug. 2019 At Genworth, McInerney says, the lapse rate is only 0.7%, which seems to be close to the industry average. Los Angeles Times, "Column: Insurance firms’ blunders on long-term care insurance create disaster for millions," 25 July 2019 Insurers didn’t wake up to the triple whammy of low investment returns, underestimated lapse rates and unexpectedly long-lived claims for decades, when customers reached their 70s and 80s and began filing claims. Los Angeles Times, "Column: Insurance firms’ blunders on long-term care insurance create disaster for millions," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lapse rate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lapse rate

1918, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on lapse rate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lapse rate

Britannica English: Translation of lapse rate for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lapse rate