sonic boom

noun
1.
a loud noise caused by the shock wave generated by an aircraft moving at supersonic speed.
Origin
1950-55
Examples from the web for sonic boom
  • The small space rock disintegrated high in the atmosphere, creating a sonic boom heard by numerous witnesses.
  • There is no sonic boom in a vacuum and no worry about animals or other vehicles.
  • As a train traveled into a narrow tunnel it would create a sonic boom upon exiting.
  • Instead, a shock wave is produced--a kind of sonic boom in the rock.
British Dictionary definitions for sonic boom

sonic boom

noun
1.
a loud explosive sound caused by the shock wave of an aircraft, etc, travelling at supersonic speed
sonic boom in Science
sonic boom  
A shock wave of compressed air caused by an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound. It is often audible as a loud, explosive sound, and it sometimes causes damage to structures on the ground.
sonic boom in Culture

sonic boom definition


See boom, sonic.

Encyclopedia Article for sonic boom

shockshock wave that is produced by an aircraft or other object flying at a speed equal to or exceeding the speed of sound and that is heard on the ground as a sound like a clap of thunder.

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