hypersonic

[ hahy-per-son-ik ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to speed that is at least five times that of sound in the same medium.

hypersonic

/ ˌhaɪpəˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. concerned with or having a velocity of at least five times that of sound in the same medium under the same conditions

hypersonic

/ hī′pər-sŏn′ĭk /

1. Relating to or capable of speeds equal to or exceeding five times the speed of sound (Mach 5 and above).
2. Compare subsonic

Derived Forms

• ˌhyperˈsonics, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypersonic¹

First recorded in 1935–40; hyper- + sonic

Example Sentences

In Friday's address Putin said the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles flew at 10 times the speed of sound and ordered them to be put into production.

From BBC

"As the shock moves through pockets of cold gas, it travels at hypersonic speeds -- several times the speed of sound in the intergalactic medium of Stephan's Quintet* -- powerful enough to rip apart electrons from atoms, leaving behind a glowing trail of charged gas, as seen with WEAVE," Dr Arnaudova said.

From Science Daily

If Putin's description is correct, the missile is at the upper edge of the definition of hypersonic, and few things can achieve this.

From BBC

Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, his decision to declare four Ukrainian territories part of Russia, his deployment of North Korean troops to Kursk region, his decision on Thursday to target the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, followed up by threats to strike the West - all of these represent moments of escalation in this conflict.

From BBC

Putin said a "test" was successfully carried out on a non-nuclear hypersonic version of a ballistic missile and that the "target was reached".

From BBC

Related Words

• agile
• brisk
• hot
• nimble
• quick
• rapid
• swift