supersonic

[ soo-per-son-ik ]

adjective

1. greater than the speed of sound waves through air.
2. capable of achieving such speed:

   a supersonic plane.

3. ultrasonic.

supersonic

/ ˌsuːpəˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. being, having, or capable of reaching a speed in excess of the speed of sound

   supersonic aircraft

supersonic

/ so̅o̅′pər-sŏn′ĭk /

1. Having a speed greater than that of sound in a designated medium, usually air; having a speed greater than Mach 1.
2. Compare hypersonic

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperˈsonically, adverb

Other Words From

• super·soni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of supersonic¹

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + sonic

Example Sentences

Fortunately, L.A. is filled with unexpected places that provide an escape from the supersonic speed of our daily lives, and many of them offer gift cards.

From Los Angeles Times

The RAF said the Typhoon had been authorised to fly at supersonic speed for operational reasons.

From BBC

Mr Little said the "supersonic" bullet, that travels at 800 metres per second, hit Mr Kaba in the head.

From BBC

Anyone watching nearby as the booster returns to Earth can expect a thunderous boom as it slows down from supersonic speeds.

From BBC

At least 200 people were killed and 5,000 injured when thousands of tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at a warehouse in the port blew up, sending a mushroom cloud into the air and a supersonic blastwave tearing through the city.

From BBC

Related Words

• airplane
• plane