ultrasound

[/ˈʌl.trə.saʊnd/]
nounmasculinepl: ultrasounds
ultrassom
1. Sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit of human hearing (typically above 20 kHz), used in medical imaging and other applications
The doctor used ultrasound to monitor the baby's development during pregnancy.
O médico usou ultrassom para monitorar o desenvolvimento do bebê durante a gravidez.
2. A medical imaging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to create images of internal body structures
She had an ultrasound scan to check her thyroid gland.
Ela fez um exame de ultrassom para verificar sua glândula tireoide.
3. The image or picture produced by ultrasonic scanning
The ultrasound clearly showed the baby's heartbeat.
O ultrassom mostrou claramente os batimentos cardíacos do bebê.
In Brazil, ultrasound (ultrassom) is a routine and widely accessible medical procedure, particularly common for prenatal care and general diagnostics. The term is used in both formal medical settings and casual conversation. In the USA, ultrasound is a standard diagnostic tool covered by most insurance plans and is fundamental to prenatal care.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sonic imagingultrasonic imagingsonography
Antonyms / Antônimos
infrasound

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ultrassom
Standard term used in medical and technical contexts across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ultrassom
Same as general usage; colloquially may be abbreviated as 'ultra'
São Paulo
ultrassom
Medical term widely used in hospitals and clinics
Portugal
ultrassom or ecografia
Ecografia is also commonly used in Portugal as an alternative term

Related Words

sonogramechocardiographyDopplertransducerfrequency

Related Idioms & Phrases

get an ultrasound done
ultrasound examination
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