Pronunciation: [tɹansˈɒnɪk] (IPA) 
The word "transonic" is spelled as /trænˈsɑːnɪk/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription of the word shows that the "s" sound is pronounced as /z/ due to the following vowel sound. "Transonic" is an adjective used to describe an object or fluid that moves at or near the speed of sound. The term is commonly used in the field of aerodynamics, where the flow of air around aircraft or missiles is studied.
Transonic refers to a state or condition in which an object or fluid experiences both subsonic and supersonic velocities. Specifically, it is an adjective used to describe speeds near and around the speed of sound. The term "transonic" derives from the combination of "trans" meaning across or through, and "sonic" pertaining to sound.
In the context of aerodynamics, transonic refers to the region, typically around Mach 0.8 to 1.2, where an aircraft or other flying object is transitioning from flying at subsonic speeds to supersonic speeds. It is a critical phase as the object comes close to breaking the sound barrier. During this transition, the airflow around the object behaves unpredictably, resulting in significant changes in aerodynamic forces and drag. Consequently, flight control challenges and additional engineering considerations arise when operating within the transonic regime.
In relation to fluid dynamics, transonic describes the flow of air or a gas at velocities near the speed of sound. It entails the presence of both subsonic and supersonic airflow within the same fluid domain. The establishment of transonic flow conditions is often observed in high-speed wind tunnels, where the goal is to replicate real-world conditions experienced by vehicles and objects in flight.
Overall, transonic is a term used to characterize velocities near or around the speed of sound, which can have complex and sometimes unpredictable effects on the flow of air or fluid, as well as the performance of objects moving through it.
The word "transonic" is a combination of the prefix "trans-" and the adjective "sonic". "Trans-" is a Latin prefix meaning "across" or "beyond". "Sonic" refers to sound or relating to sound waves.
The term "transonic" was originally used in the field of aerodynamics to describe the speed of an aircraft or an object in motion that is near or approaching the speed of sound. It was coined in the mid-1930s as aviation technology advanced and engineers were faced with the challenges and effects associated with high-speed flight.
The combination of "trans-" and "sonic" in "transonic" reflects the nature of the speed, indicating that it is "beyond" or "across" the realm of normal sound waves, and represents the transition from subsonic to supersonic speeds.
