subsonic

[ suhb-son-ik ]

/ sʌbˈsɒn ɪk /

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adjective

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

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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, subsoiler, subsoil plow, subsolar, subsong, subsonic, subspace, subspecialty, subspecies, subspecific, subspontaneous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use subsonic in a sentence

Atoms going around 62 miles per second come from the inner heliosheath, where the solar wind becomes subsonic as it hits against the interstellar medium.
The Safety Belt of Our Solar System - Issue 107: The Edge|Virat Markandeya|October 6, 2021|Nautilus
These airplanes are expected to seat 65 to 88 passengers and will travel at subsonic speeds over land and supersonic speeds over water—more than twice as fast as current commercial aircraft.
Meet the XB-1: A prototype for a modern supersonic passenger jet|Eric Berger|October 7, 2020|Ars Technica
From below came a vibrational rushing noise, nearly subsonic, which told him of the fueling operation.
Tight Squeeze|Dean Charles Ing
A wave of some sort—probably subsonic or supersonic—continuously filled the Vininese atmosphere.
The Instant of Now|Irving E. Cox, Jr.

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
And its booming notes descended to subsonic throbbings that gripped and wrung the nerves to anguish.
The Record of Currupira|Robert Abernathy

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.