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sonar — a system for detecting objects underwater using sound waves

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a system for detecting objects underwater using sound waves

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsoʊnɑːr/

Example Sentences

  • The dolphin trainer was amazed that dolphins have natural sonar abilities that put human technology to shame.
  • My fishing boat's sonar showed a huge school of fish, but they turned out to be just my neighbor's lost golf balls.
  • Modern sonar technology has revolutionized underwater exploration and marine biology research.

sonar

NOUN

[/ˈsoʊnɑːr/]

a system for detecting objects underwater using sound waves

The submarine's sonar pings reveal a giant shipwreck hidden in the deep ocean.
💡 Concept

The submarine's sonar pings reveal a giant shipwreck hidden in the deep ocean.

Sonar and radar guide, while guitar sounds collide!
🎵 Rhyme

Sonar and radar guide, while guitar sounds collide!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsoʊnɑːr/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsoʊnɑː(r)/

🌳Etymology

Origin

Sonar is a military acronym created by the United States Navy during World War II. It stands for 'Sound Navigation And Ranging' and was formed by taking the initial letters of each word, similar to the construction of radar. The technology uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater.

Breakdown

SO (Sound) + NA (Navigation) + R (Ranging). The acronym combines the first syllables or letters of each component word to create a single technical term, following the same acronym-building pattern as radar.

🎵Rhyme

radar
guitar
bazaar

🔗Collocations

sonar system
sonar detection
active sonar
passive sonar
sonar equipment
sonar signal
sonar operator

📝Examples

“The dolphin trainer was amazed that dolphins have natural sonar abilities that put human technology to shame.”

😄 Fun example

“My fishing boat's sonar showed a huge school of fish, but they turned out to be just my neighbor's lost golf balls.”

“Modern sonar technology has revolutionized underwater exploration and marine biology research.”

😄 Fun example

“The treasure hunter's sonar detected what he hoped was a sunken pirate ship, but it was just a discarded shopping cart.”

📚Related Words

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