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

On Sunday, Kim oversaw a test-launch of what Pyongyang’s state media claimed were hypersonic missiles—capabilities that underscored a need for a “nuclear war deterrent,” the North Korean leader was quoted as saying.

From The Wall Street Journal

North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the Sunday test-firing of hypersonic missiles in a drill made necessary by "the recent geopolitical crisis," state media quoted him as saying.

From Barron's

The ship could pack more long-range firepower for the fleet, including hypersonic missiles, albeit at eye-watering cost and perhaps with only roughly 30% or 40% more missile capacity than the latest destroyer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Golden Fleet will comprise a number of large warships outfitted with more powerful long-range missiles, even potentially hypersonic missiles, along with a larger number of a new small ship, the frigate.

From The Wall Street Journal

But to remain relevant for future battles, the ships need more firepower, which means more missile-launching tubes and the ability to carry hypersonic weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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