Ultrasonic Meaning
/ʌltɹəˈsɒnɪk/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjBeyond (higher in frequency than) the range of sound perceptible to the human ear; with a frequency of 20 kilohertz or higher.
Sentence Examples
The device uses ultrasonic waves to clean the small parts.
Ultrasonic means relating to or using very high sound waves.
The clinic uses ultrasonic waves to clean the medical instruments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ waves from the detector were too high-pitched for humans to hear.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some animals can hear ____ sounds that are far too high in frequency for humans to detect with their own ears today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂el- Latin ūls Proto-Indo-European *-teros? Latin -ter Old Latin -ād Latin -ā Latin ultrābor. English ultra- Proto-Indo-European *swenh₂- Proto-Indo-European *swónh₂os Latin sonus Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ik English -ic English sonic English ultrasonic From ultra- + sonic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1961 March 26, C. P. Boocock, “The organisation of Eastleigh Locomotive Works”, in Trains Illustrated, pages 159–160:
"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."
— 2016 February 1, Tom Whipple, “Microcannon firing nanobullets: the future of targeted medicine”, in The Times:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ waves from the detector were too high-pitched for humans to hear.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some animals can hear ____ sounds that are far too high in frequency for humans to detect with their own ears today.