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

• infrasonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of infrasound

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

Example Sentences

In the animal world, some species rely on infrasound to communicate, while others actively avoid it.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

After the session, participants described how they felt, rated the emotional tone of the music, and indicated whether they believed infrasound had been present.

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

These long-lasting seismic and infrasound signals are likely the result of vibrations caused by high-pressure gas venting rapidly from the pipeline into the water and atmosphere.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 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