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 For example, Rosenheim is not a fan of ultrasonic cleaners, which use high-frequency sound waves transmitted through liquid to dislodge dirt and grime. Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 This skin scrubber also uses ultrasonic technology for a high-frequency vibration and has settings for face lifting (EMS), blackhead removal (ION+) and essence infuse (ION-). Elizabeth Berry, Good Housekeeping, 23 Aug. 2023 Nor are various wrist bands and ultrasonic devices effective. Judy Stone, Forbes, 6 May 2023 In particular, the team plan to mount environmental sensing units—including cameras and ultrasonic sensors—to a gimbal on the robot’s back. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2023 This quiet ultrasonic diffuser breaks down essential oils and water into an ultra-fine mist to create a relaxing, fragrant environment. Emily Stone Published, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023 The brand extracts high-quality CBD from hemp flowers using ultrasonic extraction then transforms it directly into pharmaceutical-grade oil, without the use of chemical solvents. 4. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 Most of the essential oil diffusers on our list are ultrasonic. Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023 Designed to deliver ultrasonic energy below the skin, this non-invasive treatment (from $1,500 for half face, $2,500 for full face) helps generate collagen, reduce wrinkles and tighten skin without irritation or redness. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ultrasonic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultrasonic was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near ultrasonic

Cite this Entry

“Ultrasonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultrasonic. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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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