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.
"When an ultrasonic beam is fired at the microcannons, the emulsion evaporates, expanding rapidly into gas. This creates enough force to push the nanobullets out at velocities reaching several metres per second."
— Tom Whipple, Microcannon firing nanobullets: the future of targeted medicine (2016)
"The wheel shop also has equipment for ultrasonic testing of axles for flaws; and systematic checking of locomotive axles and crank pins is carried out as they pass through the shops."
— C. P. Boocock, The organisation of Eastleigh Locomotive Works (1961)
"Bats navigate using ultrasonic sound waves."
"The device emits an ultrasonic pulse to measure distance."
How to use ultrasonic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSound pitched too high for human ears to detect.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more ultrasonic
- Superlative
- most ultrasonic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Bats navigate using _____ sound waves.
Etymology
From "ultra-" ("beyond") plus "sonic" ("relating to sound").
Synonyms
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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").
