sound barrier

noun

1. Also called transonic barrier. Also called sonic barrier. (not in technical use) a hypothetical barrier to flight beyond the speed of sound, so postulated because aircraft undergo an abruptly increasing drag force induced by compression of the surrounding air when traveling near the speed of sound.

sound barrier

noun

1. Also called: sonic barrier.  transonic barrier. (not in technical usage) a hypothetical barrier to flight at or above the speed of sound, when a sudden large increase in drag occurs

Word History and Origins

Origin of sound barrier¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. break the sound barrier, to travel faster than the speed of sound.