Transonic: meaning, definitions and examples
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transonic
[ trænˈsɒnɪk ]
speed of sound
The term 'transonic' refers to speeds that are close to the speed of sound in a given medium, usually air. It typically encompasses a range of speeds from just below to just above Mach 1. At transonic speeds, aerodynamic characteristics can undergo significant changes, leading to phenomena such as shock waves and increased drag. This range is critical in aviation and aerospace engineering as it marks the boundary between subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Synonyms
approaching sound speed, nearly supersonic
Examples of usage
- The aircraft operated at transonic speeds during the test flight.
- Transonic flow can cause challenges in aircraft design.
- Engine performance is crucial when navigating transonic speeds.
Translations
Translations of the word "transonic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 transónico
🇮🇳 ट्रांसोनिक
🇩🇪 transonisch
🇮🇩 transonik
🇺🇦 трансоничний
🇵🇱 transonika
🇯🇵 超音速の
🇫🇷 transonique
🇪🇸 transónico
🇹🇷 transonik
🇰🇷 초음속의
🇸🇦 فوق الصوتية
🇨🇿 transonický
🇸🇰 transonický
🇨🇳 跨音速的
🇸🇮 transonični
🇮🇸 transónískur
🇰🇿 трансоник
🇬🇪 ტრანსონური
🇦🇿 transsonik
🇲🇽 transónico
Word origin
The word 'transonic' is derived from the Latin prefix 'trans-', meaning 'across' or 'beyond', and 'sonic', which is related to sound and originates from the Latin word 'sonus' meaning 'sound'. The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century as advances in aerodynamics and aviation technology led to a greater understanding of the behavior of objects moving at speeds approaching that of sound. The transonic regime is significant in various fields such as aerospace engineering, fluid dynamics, and meteorology because it represents the transitional phase between slower, subsonic speeds and faster, supersonic speeds. Scientists and engineers began to study the complexities of airflow and shockwave formation in this regime, leading to innovations in aircraft design, jet propulsion, and other technologies that depend on managing air resistance at these critical speeds.