ultrasonic

adjective

ul·​tra·​son·​ic ˌəl-trə-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce ultrasonic (audio)
1
: having a frequency above the human ear's audibility limit of about 20,000 hertz
used of waves and vibrations
2
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to ultrasonic waves or vibrations
ultrasonically adverb

Did you know?

Ultrasound, or ultrasonography, works on the principle that sound is reflected at different speeds by tissues or substances of different densities. Ultrasound technology has been used medically since the 1940s. Sonograms, the pictures produced by ultrasound, can reveal heart defects, tumors, and gallstones; since low-power ultrasonic waves don't present any risks to a body, they're most often used to display fetuses during pregnancy in order to make sure they're healthy. Ultrasonics has many other uses, including underwater sonar sensing. High-power ultrasonics are so intense that they're actually used for drilling and welding.

Examples of ultrasonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sensor fusion is the process of combining data from multiple sensors—like cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic detectors. John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 By reducing water usage and accelerating desalination, the ultrasonic device offers an environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional sand washing. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025 Commercial plug-in repellents, such as ultrasonic devices or chemical mats, provide long-lasting protection. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025 On the front, there’s an AI Vision camera, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor that work with Beatbot’s HybridSense AI to scan your pool and create a cleaning map. PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultrasonic

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultrasonic was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Ultrasonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultrasonic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ultrasonic

adjective
ul·​tra·​son·​ic ˌəl-trə-ˈsän-ik How to pronounce ultrasonic (audio)
: relating to or being vibrations that are of the same kind as sound waves but have too high a frequency to be heard by the human ear
ultrasonically adverb

Medical Definition

ultrasonic

adjective
ul·​tra·​son·​ic -ˈsän-ik How to pronounce ultrasonic (audio)
1
a
: having a frequency above the human ear's audibility limit of about 20,000 hertz
used of waves and vibrations
b
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to ultrasonic waves or vibrations
removal of tartar with an ultrasonic scaler
2
ultrasonically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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