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

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

Other Word Forms

• hypersonics noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypersonic¹

First recorded in 1935–40; hyper- + sonic

Example Sentences

Strategists are instead focusing on using faster hypersonic projectiles, now in development.

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Russia and China have pursued hypersonic missiles—against which the U.S. currently has no defenses.

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Specifically, the White House and the Pentagon are in early talks about building a heavily armored, next-generation ship that could weigh as much as 15,000-20,000 tons and carry more powerful weapons, even potentially hypersonic missiles, in larger numbers than current destroyers and cruisers, the current and former officials said.

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Pyongyang, in its first launch since August, said Thursday that it test-fired two short-range hypersonic missiles the prior day.

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Kim is approaching the deadline for his five-year weapons plan, first detailed in early 2021, that included hypersonic technology, a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile and spy satellites.

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Related Words

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