Alfvénic

adjective

Alf·​vén·​ic ¦al(f)-¦vā-nik How to pronounce Alfvénic (audio)
-¦ve-
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an Alfvén wave
Alfvénic velocity
In a magnetic nozzle the Alfvén speed plays a role similar to that of the sound speed in a conventional nozzle. The transition from sub-Alfvénic to super-Alfvénic flow delineates a boundary beyond which the flow downstream has no effect upstream—which ensures that the detachment exerts no drag on the rocket.—Franklin R. Chang Díaz, Scientific American, November 2000

Word History

Etymology

Hannes Alfvén + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alfvénic was in 1964

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Dictionary Entries Near Alfvénic

Alfvén

Alfvénic

Alfvén wave

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alfvénic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alfv%C3%A9nic. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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