Supersonic

Meaning

Travelling at a speed greater than the speed of sound (Mach 1, approximately 343 m/s or 1,235 km/h in air at sea level). Supersonic speeds are measured in Mach numbers, where Mach 2 means twice the speed of sound.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin super (above) + sonicus (of sound), from sonus (sound)

Synonyms

Transonic (near Mach 1) High-velocity

Antonyms

Subsonic Low-speed

Example Sentence

"The BrahMos cruise missile, a joint India-Russia venture, travels at Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound, making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world and a cornerstone of the Indian Navy's Nilgiri-class frigates."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS3 defence and science answers when discussing missile systems (BrahMos, Shaurya, Agni), scramjet technology (HSTDV), or aerospace. Distinguish: subsonic (<Mach 1), transonic (Mach 0.8-1.2), supersonic (Mach 1-5), hypersonic (>Mach 5). India's HSTDV successfully demonstrated Mach 6 flight in 2020.

Relevant Subjects