# ultrasound

/ˌəɫtɹəˈsaʊnd/ (US) · /ˌʊltɹɐsˈaʊnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ultrasound
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. medical scan

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. high-frequency sound

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to examine or treat

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The doctor ordered an ultrasound to check my heart.
- During the second trimester, the technician performed an ultrasound to monitor the baby's development and health.
- Advances in portable ultrasound technology have allowed emergency responders to perform critical internal assessments in the field, significantly improving patient outcomes during the golden hour of trauma care.

---

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.