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ultrasound

n. · v.
US //ˌəɫtɹəˈsaʊnd// UK //ˌʊltɹɐsˈaʊnd// ul·tra·sound
  1. 1 medical scan (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
    • scan
    • sonogram
    • ultrasonography
  2. 2 high-frequency sound (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The industrial cleaning process relies on ultrasound to dislodge microscopic contaminants from the surface of the precision components.
    • ultrasonic waves
    • infrasound
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  1. 3 to examine or treat (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From ultra- + sound.

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