hypersonic

adjective

hy·​per·​son·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)
1
: of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air compare sonic
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed
hypersonic wind tunnel
hypersonically adverb

Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Furthermore, Iran has developed hypersonic missiles like Fattah capable of precisely targeting military sites while bypassing advanced defense systems. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 If events proceed along their current trajectory, NATO and Russia will soon both be armed to the teeth with conventional weapons, including tanks and drones, as well as strategic ones, such as hypersonic nuclear missiles. Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025 Payloads included two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency to track hypersonic missiles and four more satellites for the Tranche 0 constellation for the Space Development Agency. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025 Among the advancements made by engineers are practical, cost-effective solutions to the extreme heat encountered in hypersonic flight, during which friction can cause the leading edges of an aircraft to reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypersonic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypersonic was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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