speed of sound

Meaning

The rate at which sound waves travel through a specific medium, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Examples

• The speed of sound in dry air at 20 degrees Celsius is approximately 343 meters per second.
• Because the speed of sound is much slower than the speed of light, we hear the crack of a whip after we see it move.

Pronunciation: /spiːd əv saʊnd/

Synonyms of speed of sound

Words with a similar meaning to speed of sound:

• sonic velocity