A cyclic rate is the frequency that a series of movements repeats itself.

The cyclic rate of an automatic firearm is expressed in shots per minute that are theoretically possible under normal operation, given that there is an unlimited supply of ammunition and no malfunctions or failure.

Footnotes / Sources:

“Glossary ⇒.” Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute. Ed. SAAMI’s Technical Committee. Web. 15-18 Jan. 2011.