Relating to sound waves or the speed of sound. Often used to describe things moving at or involving the speed of sound.
From Latin 'sonus' meaning 'sound,' with the Greek suffix '-ic' meaning 'relating to.' Coined in the early 20th century as aviation technology began approaching the speed of sound, creating need for a new technical vocabulary.
The word 'sonic' entered popular culture through 'sonic boom' - the thunderclap created when objects break the sound barrier - but has since been adopted by everything from video games (Sonic the Hedgehog) to fast food (Sonic Drive-In). It's a perfect example of how technical terms can become cultural phenomena.
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