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transonic barrier

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sound barrier

–noun
1. Also called sonic barrier, transonic barrier. (not in technical use) a hypothetical barrier to flight beyond the speed of sound, so postulated because aircraft undergo an abruptly increasing drag force induced by compression of the surrounding air when traveling near the speed of sound.
2. break the sound barrier, to travel faster than the speed of sound.

Origin:
1950–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Cultural Dictionary

sound barrier

The sudden increase in air resistance that occurs when an aircraft approaches the speed of sound. This is also called the sonic barrier.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
sound barrier  
The sharp increase in drag experienced by aircraft approaching the speed of sound. Also called sonic barrier.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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