ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

plural ultrasounds

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

The patient was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound.

prenatal ultrasounds

Examples of ultrasound in a Sentence

They used ultrasound to examine his heart.

She had an ultrasound exam this morning.

She had an ultrasound this morning.

She showed me an ultrasound of her unborn baby.

Recent Examples on the Web

Secondly, the petals excel at scattering sound waves, making the particles easier to image via ultrasound (they can also be coated with light-absorbing molecules, boosting their visibility via optoacoustic imaging). —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2024

Now, Michelle runs a nonprofit offering bereavement and burial services for families as well as partnerships with clinics to offer free ultrasounds and postpartum needs. —Nancy Borowick, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024

You may be given a liver ultrasound to be sure there aren't any masses in the organ and to ensure that the larger bile ducts aren't entirely blocked. —Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024

What started out as a ultrasound in February turned into biopsies and a breast cancer diagnosis. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: ultrasonic vibrations

2

: the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis or treatment and especially a technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for examining internal body structures and detecting abnormalities in the body

Medical Definition

ultrasound

1 of 2 noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing compare infrasound

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also echography, sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

ultrasound

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, performed by, using, or specializing in ultrasound

an ultrasound technician

ultrasound imaging