# ultrasonic

/ˌəɫtɹəˈsɑnɪk/ (US) · /ˌʊltɹɐsˈɒnɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ultrasonic
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describing sound waves that are too high for humans to hear. You often hear about this in medicine or when talking about how animals like bats communicate.

For teachers: relating to sound waves with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing, typically exceeding 20 kilohertz. Often describes diagnostic imaging or industrial cleaning processes.

## Examples

- The doctor uses an ultrasonic scanner to see the baby.
- Bats navigate through the dark forest by emitting ultrasonic pulses and listening for the echoes.
- Engineers employed ultrasonic testing to detect microscopic cracks in the aircraft's fuselage that were invisible to the naked eye.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.