infrasound

American  

[in-fruh-sound] / ˈɪn frəˌsaʊnd /

noun

1. sound with frequencies below the audible range.

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infrasound British  

/ ˈɪnfrəˌsaʊnd, ˌɪnfrəˈsɒnɪk /

noun

1. soundlike waves having a frequency below the audible range, that is, below about 16Hz

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infrasound Scientific  

/ ĭn′frə-sound′ /

1. Sound whose wave frequency is too low (under 15–20 hertz) to be heard by humans. Some animals, such as elephants and whales, emit calls at infrasound frequencies.

2. See Note at ultrasound

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• infrasonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of infrasound

First recorded in 1925–30; infra- + sound ¹

Example Sentences

"But infrasound exposure had effects on both outcomes that went beyond that natural relationship."

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

"Participants could not reliably identify whether infrasound was present, and their beliefs about whether it was on had no detectable effect on their cortisol or mood."

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

"This study suggests that the body can respond to infrasound even when we can't consciously hear it," said Schmaltz.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

Seismometers catch the tiniest of volcanic shudders while other sensors track infrasound, which are waves with a frequency too low for human hearing.

From Science Magazine • May 27, 2024

Guilford would like to see additional work investigate how albatrosses compose mental maps of their environment and whether infrasound plays a key role.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 8, 2023