sonic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
relating to sound or the way sound waves move.
relating to sound, sound waves, or the sense of hearing.
Simple“The scientists used a sonic device to measure the depth of the water.”
In context“The researchers employed advanced sonic imaging to map the seafloor without disturbing the local marine ecosystem.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
- 02 C1 Advanced
having a speed that is the same as or very close to the speed of sound.
denoting a speed approximately equal to the speed of sound in a given medium, especially air.
Simple“The jet created a loud noise when it reached sonic speeds.”
In context“As the aircraft approached sonic velocity, the aerodynamic pressures on the airframe increased significantly.”
UsageOften used in technical contexts regarding aviation or physics.
Antonymssubsonicsupersonic
From Latin sonus + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.