Subsonic Meaning
/ˈsʌbˈsɑnɪk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjhaving a frequency too low to be audible
adjvery quiet, almost inaudible
Sentence Examples
The plane flew at a mostly subsonic speed during the trip.
Subsonic means relating to a speed that is less than sound.
Rotating machines are essential in subsonic aeronautical propulsion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The aircraft flew at a ____ speed to avoid creating a sonic boom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft traveled at a ____ speed, which was much slower than the speed of sound and very quiet.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *upó Proto-Italic *supo Latin sub Latin sub-der. English sub- Proto-Indo-European *swenh₂- Proto-Indo-European *swónh₂os Latin sonus Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English sonic English subsonic From sub- + sonic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But British Airways Flight 112 made the trek in under five hours, setting a new record for the fastest subsonic commercial flight across the Atlantic Ocean."
— 2020 February 9, Alina Selyukh, “British Airways Sets Record, Crossing The Atlantic In Under 5 Hours In Strong Winds”, in NPR:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The aircraft flew at a ____ speed to avoid creating a sonic boom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft traveled at a ____ speed, which was much slower than the speed of sound and very quiet.