sonic

Everyday

1. Sonic means to do with sound or sound waves, as in «a sonic boom». tree →
2. (science) Sonic speed is the speed of sound; «supersonic» means faster than sound and «subsonic» slower. tree →
3. Sonic the Hedgehog is a famous fast blue character in video games. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, a «sonic boom» is the loud bang made when a plane flies faster than sound; sound travels at about 340 metres per second in air. In everyday life, sonic toothbrushes vibrate very fast. In games, Sonic is known for speed. Phrases: «sonic boom», «sonic toothbrush», «supersonic».

Examples

• The jet broke the sound barrier with a loud sonic boom. tree →
• Bats use sonic signals to find their way. tree →
• My sonic toothbrush buzzes very fast. tree →
• Concorde was a supersonic passenger plane. tree →
• Sonic the Hedgehog collects gold rings. tree →
• Sound in air goes about 340 metres every second. tree →

Note

Adjective. Related: supersonic, ultrasonic, subsonic. In maths problems about sound, distance = speed × time; at about 340 m/s, thunder heard 3 seconds after lightning is about 1 kilometre away.