An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A noise caused by a shock wave that emanates from an object traveling at or above the speed of sound.

Etymology (EN): → sonic; boom, M.E. bombon, bummyn “to buzz;” cf. Du. bommen, Ger. bummen, word made by sound imitation.

Etymology (PE): Qariv “shout, clamour, cry;” sedâyi, → sonic.