supersonic

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-nik 

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane

Examples of supersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Many in the fledgling supersonic sector believe that supersonic commercial flights are not only possible, but are working to design, build and certify aircraft in the next five to ten years. —J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 8 May 2024

These slim cylindrical machines spin at supersonic speeds to create a form of uranium that contains higher concentrations of an isotope called U-235, the part of uranium that can be easily split to create a nuclear chain reaction. —Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin super- + sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supersonic

• supersonic transport

Kids Definition

supersonic

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic

ˌsü-pər-ˈsän-ik

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air

3

: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at supersonic speed

a supersonic airplane

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

supersonic

1 of 2 adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic -ˈsän-ik 

1

: ultrasonic sense 1

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane