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

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 subsonic transonic

Other Word Forms

• supersonically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of supersonic¹

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + sonic

Example Sentences

In terms of purely destructive power, however, hypersonic missiles are not hugely different from supersonic or subsonic cruise missiles, according to Mr Freer.

From BBC

These too will be flown by RAF pilots, at supersonic speed.

From BBC

Stokes' value as a cricketer will never be explained by statistics alone, even though his statistics are supersonic.

From BBC

Viewed from Tehran, this escalation is not just about stockpiles, centrifuges, and supersonic missiles.

From BBC

Next in his supersonic sights are Northampton as his Bordeaux-Begles team prepare for Saturday's Champions Cup final.

From BBC

Related Words

• accelerated www.thesaurus.com
• brisk 
• expeditious 
• hasty 
• hurried 
• immediate 
• prompt 
• rapid 
• swift