ultrasonic

American  

[uhl-truh-son-ik] / ˌʌl trəˈsɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or utilizing ultrasound.

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ultrasonic British  

/ ˌʌltrəˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or producing waves with the same nature as sound waves but frequencies above audio frequencies See also ultrasound

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Other Word Forms

• ultrasonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ultrasonic

First recorded in 1925–30; ultra- + sonic

Compare meaning

How does ultrasonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ultrasonic vs. ultrasound

Example Sentences

Instead of relying on solar heating, the team uses ultrasonic vibrations that shake the moisture loose.

From Science Daily

For 45 minutes, a “Q-facial” machine sprayed, vacuumed, exfoliated and hydrated my face, delivering ultrasonic waves at two different depths.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike insects, birds cannot detect the bats' ultrasonic calls and only realize the danger moments before being caught.

From Science Daily

When some plants are dehydrated or under some other form of stress, they cry a mournful melody made of ultrasonic clicks.

From New York Times

The team was able to remove the expensive metals and circuit components by placing leaftronics in an ultrasonic acid bath.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• accelerated
• brisk
• expeditious
• hasty
• hurried
• immediate
• prompt
• rapid
• swift