(adj) (of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air), Ant. subsonic, sonic, Example:a supersonic bomber flies so fast that it must release its bombs while the target is still over the horizon
n. [ Pref. hyper- + sonic. ] (Aeronautics) Pertaining to or moving at a speed greatly in excess of the speed of sound, usually meaning greater than mach 5. All speeds in excess of the speed of sound are supersonic, but to be hypersonic requires even higher speed. [ PJC ]
a. 1. Moving at a speed greater than the speed of sound in air; -- this speed varies with altitude, since the speed of sound varies with altitude, as well as with temperature and humidity, being approximately 1129 feet per second at sea level and 984 feet per second at 16 miles altitude. [ PJC ]
2. Capable of moving at speeds higher than the speed of sound; -- of aircraft. [ PJC ]