hypersonic

American  

[hahy-per-son-ik] / ˌhaɪ pərˈsɒn ɪk /

adjective

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

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hypersonic British  

/ 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

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hypersonic Scientific  

/ 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 supersonic transonic

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Other Word Forms

• hypersonics noun

Etymology

Origin of hypersonic

First recorded in 1935–40; hyper- + sonic

Compare meaning

How does hypersonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypersonic vs. supersonic

Example Sentences

Defense Minister John Healey said on Friday, referring to Britain and Germany cooperating on a long-range hypersonic missile—a field Europe is behind on.

From The Wall Street Journal

Applications include hypersonic missiles, advanced chip manufacturing, military ships and batteries for energy storage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Moscow has also developed what it calls “novel” nuclear delivery systems, including an ICBM-mounted hypersonic glide vehicle, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, and a nuclear-capable autonomous underwater system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under Xi, China has expanded its nuclear arsenal, surpassed the U.S. in the number of naval vessels and started fielding cutting-edge weapons such as hypersonic missiles that Western powers have yet to master.

From The Wall Street Journal

In particular, he warned of the prospect of hypersonic missiles that travel at least five times the speed of sound, making them much harder to detect and intercept than traditional ballistic missiles, which would follow predictable arcs over the North Pole.

From BBC

Related Words

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