sonar
sonar Lexical Profile
sonar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A system for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects by emitting sound pulses and measuring their return after being reflected.
"The research vessel used advanced sonar to accurately map the contours of the ocean floor."
The physical equipment or apparatus used to implement an underwater acoustic detection system.
"The engineers installed a highly sensitive new sonar on the bow of the submarine."
The natural biological ability of certain animals, such as bats and dolphins, to navigate and find prey using reflected sound waves.
"Dolphins rely on their natural biological sonar to hunt in murky waters where vision is heavily restricted."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 1940s as an acronym for 'sound navigation and ranging', modeled after the earlier word 'radar'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.