ultrasound

https://glossary.acousti.cloud/ultrasound

en

Sound beyond the upper frequency threshold of human hearing. The distinction between sound and ultrasound has no importance biologically except in relation to human hearing.

"Thus the terms 'sonic' and 'ultrasonic' apply to sounds of a frequency audible and inaudible, respectively, to the human ear; but the hearing organs of many insects respond to sound of both types." [1]

"Sound above 20kHz in frequency, and thus inaudible to human ears." [2]

References:
  1. Haskell PT. Insect sounds. London : Witherby; 1961.
  2. Ragge DR, Reynolds WJ. The Songs of the Grasshoppers and Crickets of Western Europe. Colchester, Essex: Harley Books; 1998.; Erbe et al. (2022), Exploring Animal Behavior Through Sound, Terms and Definitions. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97540-1_4

Related terms

ultrasonicen

All terms

To cite this website:

Ed Baker (2026) Bioacoustics & Ecoacoustics Glossary (https://glossary.acousti.cloud/). Accessed on October 6, 2026, 11:17 pm.