| ultrasonic | Relating to energy waves similar to those of sound but of higher frequencies (above 30,000 Hz). Origin: ultra-+ L. Sonus, sound (05 Mar 2000) |
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| ultrasonic cardiography | Echocardiography is a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. It can measure cardiac output and is a sensitive test for inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). It can also be used to detect abnormal anatomy or infections of the heart valves. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ultrasonic cephalometry | Measurement of the foetal head by ultrasound. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic egg recovery | Obtaining an egg for in vitro fertilization by means of an ultrasonically guided needle aspiration of ovarian follicles; may be performed transvesically or via the cul-de-sac. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic lithotresis | The demolition of calculi by high frequency sound waves. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic microscope | <instrument> A microscope that has lenses designed to use acoustic energy so that the ultrasonic wavelengths may be utilised; by means of transducers, the information is translated to a form that may be visualised or recorded. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic nebuliser | A humidifier using high-frequency electricity to power a transducer that vibrates 1,350,000 times per second and changes water up into particles 0.5 to 3 um in size in its nebulizing chamber; used in inhalation therapy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic rays | See: ultrasonic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic scaler | An ultrasonic instrument that uses high frequency vibration to remove adherent deposits from the teeth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonic therapy | The use of focused, high-frequency sound waves to produce local hyperthermia in certain diseased or injured parts of the body or to destroy the diseased tissue. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ultrasonic waves | The periodic configuration of energy produced by sound having a frequency greater than 30,000 Hz. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ultrasonics | That part of the science of acoustics dealing with the frequency range beyond the upper limit of perception by the human ear (beyond 20,000 hertz per second), but usually restricted to frequencies above 500,000 hertz per second. Ultrasonic radiation is injurious to tissues because of its thermal effects when absorbed by living matter, but in controlled doses it is used therapeutically to selectively break down tissues, as in treatment of arthritis and lesions of the nervous system, and also as a diagnostic aid by visually displaying echoes received from irradiated tissues, as in echocardiography and echoencephalography. (12 Dec 1998) |