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adj

ultrasonic

uhlt-ruh-SO-nihk

Ultrasonic (adj) means having a sound frequency higher than what humans can hear, generally above 20 kilohertz. Example: “Bats navigate using ultrasonic sound waves.”

adj
1
Having a sound frequency higher than what humans can hear, generally above 20 kilohertz.
"Bats navigate using ultrasonic sound waves."
"The device emits an ultrasonic pulse to measure distance."

How to use ultrasonic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSound pitched too high for human ears to detect.

Easily confused with

Word forms

more ultrasonic comparative, most ultrasonic superlative

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Bats navigate using _____ sound waves.

Etymology

From "ultra-" ("beyond") plus "sonic" ("relating to sound").

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for ultrasonic

See all rhymes for ultrasonic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ultrasonic” mean?

The word “ultrasonic” means having a sound frequency higher than what humans can hear, generally above 20 kilohertz. In plain terms, sound pitched too high for human ears to detect.

How do you pronounce “ultrasonic”?

“Ultrasonic” is pronounced uhlt-ruh-SO-nihk (/ʌltɹəˈsɒnɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “ultrasonic” in a sentence?

Here is “ultrasonic” used in a sentence: “Bats navigate using ultrasonic sound waves.”

What is the opposite of “ultrasonic”?

The opposite of “ultrasonic” — its antonyms — is infrasonic.

What part of speech is “ultrasonic”?

“Ultrasonic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “ultrasonic” come from?

The word “ultrasonic” comes from Latin. From "ultra-" ("beyond") plus "sonic" ("relating to sound").

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