ultrasound

ultrasound
= ultrasonic waves; n.
sound waves of high frequency (above 20 kHz), inaudible to the human ear. Ultrasound in the range 2–20 MHz can be used to produce images of the interior of the human body as the waves reflect off structures back to the probe (see ultrasonography). Ultrasound waves have the advantage over X-rays of not being ionizing and are therefore much less harmful, particularly at energy levels used for diagnosis. The vibratory effect of ultrasound can also be used to break up stones in the body (see lithotripsy) and in the treatment of rheumatic conditions and cataract (see phacoemulsification). Ultrasonic instruments are used in dentistry to remove calculus from the surfaces of teeth and to remove debris from the root canals of teeth in root canal treatment. High-intensity focused ultrasound (see HIFU) can be used to destroy tissue, such as tumours. Keepsake ultrasound is the provision of ultrasound images of a fetus to the parents for nonmedical purposes; it is said by its proponents to help with bonding and to strengthen relationships in the family.

The new mediacal dictionary. 2014.

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  • ultrasound — 1923, from ULTRA (Cf. ultra ) + SOUND (Cf. sound). Cf. ULTRASONIC (Cf. ultrasonic). In reference to ultrasonic techniques of detection or diagnosis it is recorded from 1958 …   Etymology dictionary

  • ultrasound — ► NOUN ▪ sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, particularly as used in medical imaging …   English terms dictionary

  • ultrasound — [ul′trə sound΄] n. 1. ultrasonic waves, used in medical and dental diagnosis and therapy, in cleaning and detecting flaws in metal, etc. 2. the use of ultrasonic waves in ultrasonography to form images of interior body organs, as the uterus or… …   English World dictionary

  • Ultrasound — Not to be confused with Supersonic .Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 hertz) in healthy,… …   Wikipedia

  • Ultrasound — High frequency sound waves. Ultrasound waves can be bounced off of tissues using special devices. The echoes are then converted into a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasound imaging, referred to as ultrasonography, allows physicians and patients… …   Medical dictionary

  • ultrasound — /ul treuh sownd /, n. 1. Physics. sound with a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz, approximately the upper limit of human hearing. 2. Med. the application of ultrasonic waves to therapy or diagnostics, as in deep heat treatment of a joint or… …   Universalium

  • ultrasound — ul|tra|sound [ ʌltrə,saund ] noun uncount a way of producing an image of an organ inside someone s body using sound waves: Ultrasound was used to show the size of the tumor. a. ultrasound or ultrasound scan a process in which a part of someone s… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • ultrasound — UK [ˈʌltrəˌsaʊnd] / US noun [uncountable] medical a) a way of producing an image of an organ inside someone s body using sound waves Ultrasound was used to show the size of the tumour. b) ultrasound or ultrasound scan a process in which a part of …   English dictionary

  • ultrasound — [[t]ʌ̱ltrəsaʊnd[/t]] N UNCOUNT: usu N n Ultrasound is sound waves which travel at such a high frequency that they cannot be heard by humans. Ultrasound is used in medicine to get pictures of the inside of people s bodies. I had an ultrasound scan …   English dictionary

  • ultrasound — noun Date: 1923 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… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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