English Reference
noun · verb

ultrasound

n. · v.
US /ˌəɫtɹəˈsaʊnd/ UK /ˌʊltɹɐsˈaʊnd/ ul·tra·sound

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    n.a medical test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body.

    n.a diagnostic imaging technique, also known as ultrasonography, that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualise internal body structures.

    Simple

    The doctor scheduled an ultrasound to check how the baby was growing.

    In context

    The technician performed a detailed abdominal ultrasound to investigate the cause of the patient's persistent discomfort.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'have', 'get', or 'perform'.

    scansonogramultrasonography
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.sound waves that are too high for the human ear to hear.

    n.acoustic energy with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing, typically exceeding 20 kilohertz.

    Simple

    Bats use ultrasound to find their way and hunt for insects in the dark.

    In context

    The industrial cleaning process relies on ultrasound to dislodge microscopic contaminants from the surface of the precision components.

    ultrasonic waves
    infrasound
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    v.to use ultrasound waves to look at or treat a part of the body.

    v.to examine, treat, or process an object or tissue using ultrasonic energy.

    Simple

    The vet decided to ultrasound the dog's heart to look for any problems.

    In context

    The medical team opted to ultrasound the affected area daily to monitor the reduction in internal swelling without invasive surgery.

And in the early stages, for example with teenagers, it often doesn't show up on an ultrasound scan.

BBC News· 23 Aug 2026

An ultrasound later confirmed that Oscar had died.

BBC News· 24 Aug 2026

From ultra- + sound.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated