Mach number

noun

ˈmäk-

: a number representing the ratio of the speed of a body (such as an aircraft) to the speed of sound in a surrounding medium (such as air)

Etymology

Ernst Mach †1916 Austrian physicist

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Mach number was in 1937

See more words from the same year

Style

“Mach number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mach%20number. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Mach number

noun

ˈmäk-

: a number representing the comparison of the speed of a body to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere

a Mach number of 2 indicates a speed that is twice the speed of sound

Mach number

noun

ˈmäk-

: a number representing the ratio of the speed of a body to the speed of sound in a surrounding medium (as air)

a Mach number of 2 indicates a speed that is twice that of sound

Get Word of the Day daily email!