Mach

Definition

A ratio of the speed (of an object, etc.) to the speed of sound in the fluid or other medium through which the object travels. Usually used to describe supersonic speeds; always precedes the Mach number.

Etymology

* As a Polish, Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Lower Sorbian surname, from pet forms produced by truncation of personal names beginning with Ma- such as Matej, Martin, or Maciej, and the addition of the Slavic suffix -ch. * As a Jewish surname, from German Mache (“work”). * Less commonly, a respelling of Hungarian Mács, a pet form of names corresponding to Matthew. * In some cases, from Vietnamese (Mạch, itself from the Chinese name 麥 /麦) or Cambodian, from Khmer ម៉ាច (maac).

Example Sentences

• "The jet traveled at Mach 3."
• "The 1992 review concluded that Machs are generally less satisfied with their jobs."