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Sonogram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sonogram

[หˆsoสŠnษ™หŒษกrรฆm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical imaging

A sonogram is an image created using ultrasound waves. This non-invasive imaging technology is primarily used to visualize internal organs and tissues for medical assessment. Sonograms are commonly employed in prenatal care to monitor the development of a fetus during pregnancy. They can also be used to examine various conditions in organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. The process is painless and does not involve radiation, making it a safe option for patients.

Synonyms

echogram, ultrasonic scan, ultrasound image.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor scheduled a sonogram to check the baby's health.
  • During the routine check-up, a sonogram of the abdomen was performed.
  • The sonogram revealed that the fetus was developing as expected.
  • She was nervous about the sonogram, but it turned out to be a positive experience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The technology works by sending high-frequency sound waves through the body, which bounce back to create images.
  • Sonograms are safe and painless, unlike X-rays, as they donโ€™t use harmful radiation.
  • The clarity of the images produced has improved with advancements in digital imaging technology.

Pop Culture

  • Sonogram images have become a common symbol of pregnancy in films and television, often referred to humorously.
  • Some parents share sonogram images on social media to announce pregnancies, often turning them into unique art pieces.

Medical Usage

  • In addition to prenatal imaging, sonograms are used to examine organs, blood vessels, and other tissues in the body.
  • Doctors often use sonograms to guide procedures like aspirations or biopsies due to their non-invasive nature.

History

  • The first clinical use of ultrasound was for detecting gallstones in the 1950s.
  • Sonography proved to be a pivotal development in obstetrics, revolutionizing prenatal care and monitoring.

Origin of 'sonogram'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'sono,' meaning sound, from the Latin word 'sonus,' and 'gram,' meaning something written or recorded.
  • It first appeared in the medical field in the mid-20th century, becoming popular as technology advanced.

The term 'sonogram' is derived from two parts: the prefix 'sono-' comes from the Latin word 'sonus,' meaning 'sound,' and the suffix '-gram' comes from the Greek word 'gramma,' meaning 'something written' or 'a drawing.' The combination reflects the technique used by medical professionals to visualize internal organs and tissues using sound waves. The concept began to take hold in the 20th century with the development of ultrasound technology. Initially, ultrasound was used in naval sonar technology to locate objects underwater. As the technology advanced, medical professionals adapted it for diagnostic imaging in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Since then, sonography has become a fundamental tool in prenatal care, allowing expectant parents to visualize their developing child and assess its health, as well as evaluating various medical conditions in other parts of the body.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,302, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.