sonar

The definition of sonar is a system that sends out sound waves and measures how long it takes for them to be reflected and returned as a way to detect the depth of water or to find objects under water.

(noun)

An example of sonar is a system wherein you send out sound waves and see how long it takes to bounce them back in order to try to find out how deep an area is in the Atlantic Ocean.

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See sonar in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an apparatus that transmits high-frequency sound waves through water and registers the vibrations reflected from an object, used in finding submarines, depths, etc.

Origin: so(und) n(avigation) a(nd) r(anging)

See sonar in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A system using transmitted and reflected underwater sound waves to detect and locate submerged objects or measure the distance to the floor of a body of water.
  2. An apparatus, as one in a submarine, using sonar.
  3. Echolocation.

Origin:

Origin: so(und) na(vigation and) r(anging)

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sonar

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