# speed of sound

**Pronunciation:** /spiːd əv saʊnd/ · SPEED-uv-SOUND

**Part of speech:** noun

## 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.
- Pilots flying at the speed of sound create a sonic boom that can be heard on the ground.

## Synonyms

- sonic velocity — A more technical and scientific term for the same concept.

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