/ˈsoʊ.nɑːɹ/, /ˈsəʊ.nɑː/
OriginBy anacronymic evolution from SONAR.
- uncountable, usuallyArtificial echolocation by use of electronic equipment, with hydrophones to locate objects underwater, using the same wave-analysis principles that radar uses.
“They were able to detect the sunken wreck using sonar.”
- countableA device that provides such echolocation.
“They finally bought a new sonar to replace the 40-year-old unit that sometimes didn't work right.”
- broadly, countable, uncountableAny echolocation.
“Submarines and bats both use sonar to navigate.”
- alt-of, countable, dated, uncountableDated form of sonar.
Formssonars(plural) · SONAR(alternative) · SONARs(plural)