subsonic

[ suhb-son-ik ]
/ sʌbˈsɒn ɪk /

adjective

noting or pertaining to a speed less than that of sound in air at the same height above sea level.
infrasonic.

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Origin of subsonic

1940–45; sub- + -sonic

OTHER WORDS FROM subsonic

sub·son·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby subsonic

subsoil, subsoil plow, subsoiler, subsolar, subsong, subsonic, subspace, subspecialty, subspecies, subspecific, subspinale
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for subsonic

  • And its booming notes descended to subsonic throbbings that gripped and wrung the nerves to anguish.

    The Record of Currupira|Robert Abernathy

  • Most of their conversation is carried on in tones of subsonic frequency, so your ears cannot hear it.

    The Asses of Balaam|Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for subsonic

subsonic
/ (sʌbˈsɒnɪk) /

adjective

being, having, or travelling at a velocity below that of sounda subsonic aircraft
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for subsonic

subsonic
[ sŭb-sŏn′ĭk ]

Having a speed less than that of sound in a designated medium, usually air; having a velocity less than Mach 1. Compare hypersonic supersonic transonic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.