| 释义 |
superˈsonic, a. (and n.)
[f. super- 4 a + L. son-us sound + -ic, as tr. F. ultra-sonore.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or designating sound waves or vibrations with frequencies greater than those audible to the human ear or greater than 20,000 Hz.
This use of supersonic is now deprecated in scientific contexts, ultrasonic being the preferred term.
1919Electrician 25 Apr. 494/2 The French have experimented with a system in which a continuous wave signal in heterodyned to a supersonic frequency. 1930Daily Express 22 May 6/5 The wireless enthusiast, whether..crystal-set owner or disciple of the supersonic heterodyne, will still have his moments of doubt. 1957I. Murdoch Sandcastle xiv. 224 The next act was to blow a long blast upon the supersonic whistle. 1975Gramophone Jan. 1412/3 CD-4 employs a carrier tone at supersonic frequency (30,000 Hz). 1980Daily Tel. 5 Mar. 17/4 The Fisheries Agency team is using supersonic waves of 24 kilohertz which..have proved effective in repelling the dolphins without affecting ordinary fish.
2. a. Involving, pertaining to, capable of, or designating speeds greater than (spec. up to five times) the speed of sound. Cf. hypersonic a., sonic a.
1934Jrnl. R. Aeronaut. Soc. XXXVIII. 866 (heading) Supersonic wind channel for model tests. 1936Aircraft Engineering Sept. 260/2 The wing shows what the Germans call a ‘supersonic profile’, because the aeroplane is supposed to fly the greater part of its route at supersonic speeds. 1948‘N. Shute’ No Highway xii. 313 It [sc. an aircraft] was at the speed of sound... He said he'd been through to the supersonic zone several times. 1953Hansard Commons 11 May 881 As for the problem of the supersonic bang, I must tell the hon. Gentleman that there is absolutely no solution in sight. In fact, we are probably in for some rather noisy times. 1972Nature 18 Aug. 379/2 A low density tunnel for simulating supersonic and hypersonic flight at altitudes of 20 to 70 miles. 1978Jrnl. R. Soc. Arts Dec. 37/1 The Concorde is to-day the precursor of much larger supersonic transport aircraft in years to come.
b. ellipt. as n. An aeroplane capable of flying at speeds greater than the speed of sound.
1947Times 1 Jan. 3/3 It is generally assumed here that cooperation in research will cover tests now being carried out by both countries in the field of supersonics, guided missiles, and the development of jet aircraft engines. 1962Listener 5 July 36/2 The demand for supersonics came from the aircraft manufacturers. 1968Economist 11 May 71/1 With jumbo jets and the supersonics on the horizon, aviation insurers had enough to worry about already. 1973Times 24 May (Aviation Suppl.) p. vi/5 When supersonics have, by public demand, taken over all long-haul air services..we may well wonder what all the argument was about.
3. colloq.
a. Very fast.
b. Excellent, wonderful, exciting, etc. Also as int.
1947Argus Week-End Mag. 25 Oct., Isn't he simply supersonic! 1954C. Davies Let. 24 Dec. in B. Russell Autobiogr. (1969) III. ii. 96 My thoughts were speeding along with yours at a super-sonic rate. 1955G. Dorman Swooping Vengeance iv. 31 Ginge's eyes gleamed and he said eagerly,..‘Gee, Wing! This is supersonic! Can I be in it too?’ Ibid. v. 44 ‘Absolutely supersonic!’ was Ginge's enthusiastic comment. 1963Listener 17 Jan. 109/2 The unique problems with which the continent [sc. Africa] is struggling in an age of supersonic speed of change. 1972R. Godden Diddakoi iv. 83 Miss Brooke made girdle scones..‘Supersonic!’ said Clem. 1980Daily Mail 23 July 33 (Advt.), Young men required for supersonic battle of wits.
Hence superˈsonically adv.
1952Chambers's Jrnl. June 363/2 They [sc. rats] are being lured forth by their mating-note, produced supersonically, and trapped as they emerge. 1970Daily Tel. 2 Sept. 26/6 The St David's Civic Society..has launched a national campaign to stop the Concorde flying supersonically over land. |