hypersonic

hy·per·son·ic | \ ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik

How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)

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Definition of hypersonic

1 : of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air — compare sonic

2 : moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed hypersonic wind tunnel

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Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Russia and China are also believed to be pursuing hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. — Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, "Russia, China lead missile race, but Alabama helping U.S. catch up," 22 Jan. 2020 In the coming years, the B-52 is expected to carry some of America’s most advanced weapons systems, including some of the first operational hypersonic missiles. — Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, "Why the B-52 Is Such a Badass Plane," 15 Jan. 2020 As part of the Black Sea drills, MiG-31 fighter jets launched Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at practice land targets. — Washington Post, "Russia’s Putin attends Black Sea drills by the Russian navy," 9 Jan. 2020 Earlier this week, Putin emphasized that Russia is the only country armed with hypersonic weapons. — Arkansas Online, "New Russian weapon can travel 27 times the speed of sound," 28 Dec. 2019 Among the projects the company is working on in Huntsville is an effort to build a defense system against hypersonic weapons - weapons that move multiple times the speed of sound. — Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, "Notable new companies, expansions and jobs announced in Huntsville in 2019," 29 Dec. 2019 Earlier this week, Putin emphasized that Russia is the only country armed with hypersonic weapons. — Arkansas Online, "New Russian weapon can travel 27 times the speed of sound," 28 Dec. 2019 Earlier this week, Putin emphasized that Russia is the only country armed with hypersonic weapons. — BostonGlobe.com, "MOSCOW — A new intercontinental weapon that can fly 27 times the speed of sound became operational Friday, Russia’s defense minister reported to President Vladimir Putin, bolstering the country’s nuclear strike capability.," 28 Dec. 2019 True, tougher tasks lie ahead to manage new threats such as hypersonic weapons and cyber-warfare. — The Economist, "The World in 2020 Why America and Russia should extend a key nuclear deal," 27 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypersonic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near hypersonic

hypersomnolence

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Last Updated

5 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 12 Feb. 2020.

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