Ultrasonic: meaning, definitions and examples

🔊
Add to dictionary

ultrasonic

 

[ ˌʌltrəˈsɒnɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

sound frequency

Ultrasonic refers to sound waves that have a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, which is about 20 kHz. These sound waves are often utilized in various applications, such as medical imaging, cleaning delicate objects, and even pest control. Ultrasonic technology is also crucial in the field of sonar and industrial nondestructive testing. Due to their high frequency, ultrasonic waves can penetrate materials and produce detailed images or feedback.

Synonyms

high-frequency, supersonic

Examples of usage

  • Ultrasonic cleaning is effective for delicate items.
  • The ultrasonic sensor detects objects without contact.
  • Ultrasonic waves are used in medical ultrasound scans.

Translations

Translations of the word "ultrasonic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ultrassônico

🇮🇳 अल्ट्रासोनिक

🇩🇪 ultr Schall

🇮🇩 ultrasonik

🇺🇦 ультразвуковий

🇵🇱 ultrasoniczny

🇯🇵 超音波の

🇫🇷 ultrasonique

🇪🇸 ultrasónico

🇹🇷 ultrasonik

🇰🇷 초음파의

🇸🇦 فوق الصوتي

🇨🇿 ultrazvukový

🇸🇰 ultrazvukový

🇨🇳 超声波的

🇸🇮 ultrazvočni

🇮🇸 ultrahljóð

🇰🇿 ультрадыбыс

🇬🇪 ულტრაბგერითი

🇦🇿 ultrasonik

🇲🇽 ultrasónico

Word origin

The term 'ultrasonic' is derived from the Latin prefix 'ultra-', meaning 'beyond', and the Greek word 'sonus', meaning 'sound'. Together, they signify 'beyond sound', indicating frequencies beyond what the human ear can detect. The use of the word in scientific contexts dates back to the early 20th century when researchers began exploring sound waves and their applications beyond the audible range. With the advancements in technology, ultrasonic waves have found extensive uses in medicine, cleaning automation, and even pest repellent systems, marking a significant impact on various industries over the decades. Its scientific study opened new avenues in acoustics, enabling better understanding and utilization of sound in ways previously unimagined.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,570, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.