Word
ultrasound
Phoneticsul·tra·sound, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌəɫtɹəˈsaʊnd/
UK/ˌʊltɹɐsˈaʊnd/
Definitions
01medical scan
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun 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.
“The doctor scheduled an ultrasound to check how the baby was growing.”
“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'.
Synonyms
02high-frequency sound
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
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.
“Bats use ultrasound to find their way and hunt for insects in the dark.”
“The industrial cleaning process relies on ultrasound to dislodge microscopic contaminants from the surface of the precision components.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to examine or treat
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical
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.
“The vet decided to ultrasound the dog's heart to look for any problems.”
“The medical team opted to ultrasound the affected area daily to monitor the reduction in internal swelling without invasive surgery.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“And in the early stages, for example with teenagers, it often doesn't show up on an ultrasound scan.” “An ultrasound later confirmed that Oscar had died.” Etymology
From ultra- + sound.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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