Subsonic: meaning, definitions and examples
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subsonic
[ sʌbˈsɒnɪk ]
speed range
Subsonic refers to speeds that are slower than the speed of sound in air, which is approximately 343 meters per second (or 1,125 feet per second) at sea level. This term is often used in aviation to describe aircraft that fly at these slower speeds, typically below Mach 1.
Synonyms
below sound, non-sonic, slow.
Examples of usage
- The subsonic jet glided smoothly through the air.
- Subsonic bullets are designed for quieter shooting.
- Many commercial airlines operate in the subsonic range.
Translations
Translations of the word "subsonic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sub-sónico
🇮🇳 सबसोनिक
🇩🇪 untersonisch
🇮🇩 subsonik
🇺🇦 субзвуковий
🇵🇱 naddźwiękowy
🇯🇵 超音速の
🇫🇷 subsonique
🇪🇸 subsónico
🇹🇷 süpersonik
🇰🇷 초음속의
🇸🇦 دون الصوتية
🇨🇿 subsonický
🇸🇰 subsonický
🇨🇳 亚音速的
🇸🇮 subzvočni
🇮🇸 hljóðsveiflur
🇰🇿 субдыбыстық
🇬🇪 სუბსონური
🇦🇿 subsonik
🇲🇽 subsónico
Etymology
The term 'subsonic' combines the prefix 'sub-', which comes from Latin meaning 'below' or 'under', with 'sonic', derived from the Latin 'sonus' meaning 'sound'. It first entered the English language in the mid-20th century as aviation technology advanced and the ability to measure and classify different speeds became necessary. With the invention of supersonic aircraft, the distinction between subsonic and supersonic became more prominent, leading to the broader use of the term in both scientific and colloquial contexts. Over the years, the concept has also been applied beyond aviation, including in discussions about sound waves and their applications in various scientific fields.