ultrasonic
ul-truh-SAHN-ik
/ˌʌl.trəˈsɑː.nɪk/
Involving or relating to sound waves with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing (greater than 20,000 Hertz).
Describes high-frequency mechanical sound waves used in medicine, navigation, and industrial cleaning.
The story behind the word. Coined in the early 20th century by joining Latin 'ultra' (beyond) with 'sonus' (sound). It was created to categorize high-frequency acoustic waves discovered through electronic oscillator experiments.
Word relationships
- high-frequency sound: 'High-frequency sound' can include audible high sounds, whereas 'ultrasonic' exclusively refers to frequencies above human perception.
- infrasonic: 'Infrasonic' refers to sound frequencies below the lower limit of human hearing (under 20 Hz).
Commonly confused with
- supersonic: Ultrasonic refers to sound wave pitch above human hearing; supersonic refers to physical flight speeds faster than sound speed.
Word family
- ultrasound (noun): Sound waves higher than human hearing, or medical imaging using such waves.
Collocations
- ultrasonic frequencies
- ultrasonic waves
- ultrasonic cleaner
- ultrasonic testing
Example sentences
- "Obstetricians use ultrasonic scanners to view detailed live images of developing fetuses without radiation risks." Medical Imaging
- "Jewelers place delicate antique watches into an ultrasonic bath to strip away micro-particles of grime." Industrial Cleaning
Memory hook
ULTRA (beyond) + SONIC (sound) = sound waves beyond human hearing. ULTRASONIC sound is too high to hear.
When not to use
Do not confuse with supersonic, which refers to objects traveling faster than the speed of sound through air.
Fun facts
- Bats emit ultrasonic chirps up to 110 decibels—as loud as a smoke alarm—but humans hear complete silence because the frequency is too high.
Related words
Explore more words
industrial, hydrodynamic, auditory, cutting-edge, rapid, sensory
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