ultrasonic

adjective

ul·​tra·​son·​ic ˌəl-trə-ˈsä-nik 

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

ˌəl-trə-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ultrasonic

adjective

ul·​tra·​son·​ic ˌəl-trə-ˈsän-ik 

: 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

-ˈsän-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

ultrasonic

adjective

ul·​tra·​son·​ic -ˈsän-ik 

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

: ultrasound

ultrasonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb