hydrophone

hydrophone

A scientist lowers a hydrophone into the ocean to listen for whale songs.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An underwater sound-detecting device: A "hydrophone" is an instrument used to detect and listen to sounds transmitted through water, typically employed in oceanography, marine biology, and naval operations for underwater acoustics.
Usage Examples
  • (The device was used to capture sounds made by whales underwater.)
  • (The instrument listened for acoustic signals from other ships.)
Advanced Usage

  • "hydrophone array": a collection of multiple hydrophones arranged in a specific pattern to triangulate the location of underwater sound sources.

    • The research vessel towed a hydrophone array to map the seafloor using sonar. (Multiple hydrophones worked together to create a detailed sound map.)

  • "passive hydrophone": a type of hydrophone that only listens to sounds without emitting any signals, used for stealthy monitoring.

    • Passive hydrophones are essential for studying marine life without disturbing their natural behaviour. (These devices record sounds without interfering with the environment.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Hydrophonic (adj): relating to or using a hydrophone.

    • The hydrophonic data revealed unexpected patterns in fish migration. (The data collected by hydrophones showed new trends.)

  • Hydroacoustic (adj): involving sound in water, often related to hydrophone technology.

    • Hydroacoustic surveys use hydrophones to estimate fish populations. (Surveys that rely on underwater sound.)
Synonyms
  • Underwater microphone: a general term for a device that converts underwater sound into electrical signals.
  • Acoustic receiver: a broader term for any instrument that captures sound waves.
Related Idioms
  • "Listen with a hydrophone": to use a hydrophone for monitoring or research.
    • The team listened with a hydrophone to track the submarine's movements. (They employed the device for acoustic surveillance.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Hydrophone in: to insert or deploy a hydrophone into water.
    • They hydrophone in the device at dawn to capture the morning chorus of fish. (They placed the hydrophone into the water.)