Definition

Noun: 1. A visual image produced by ultrasonography: A "sonogram" is a picture created by using ultrasound technology. This technology sends high-frequency sound waves into the body. The echoes (reflections) of these sound waves are then used to generate an image of internal structures. 2. A diagnostic or observational tool: Sonograms are commonly used in medicine to view and examine internal organs, blood flow, or, most familiarly, to monitor the development of a fetus during pregnancy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered a sonogram to examine the patient's liver.
  • We were excited to see our baby's first sonogram at the 20-week appointment.
  • The sonogram revealed that the organ was functioning normally.

Advanced Usage

• "To get/have a sonogram": This is the common phrase for undergoing the ultrasound procedure to obtain the image.
  • The pregnant woman went to the clinic to get a sonogram.
• "Sonogram image/photo/picture": These collocations emphasize the sonogram as a visual output.
  • They framed the sonogram picture and put it on the mantel.

Variants and Related Words

• Ultrasound (noun): This is the broader term for both the imaging technology/process and the resulting image. In casual use, "ultrasound" and "sonogram" are often used interchangeably, though technically the ultrasound is the procedure and the sonogram is the picture.
  • She is going for an ultrasound tomorrow. (procedure)
  • The ultrasound showed the baby's heartbeat. (image)
• Sonography (noun): The practice or profession of creating sonograms (ultrasound images).
  • She studied sonography to become an ultrasound technician.
• Sonographer (noun): The healthcare professional who operates the ultrasound equipment and performs the sonography examination.
  • The sonographer explained what we were seeing on the screen.

Synonyms

• Echogram: A more technical synonym for sonogram.
• Ultrasonogram: A formal, technical term for a sonogram.
• Ultrasound scan/image: Common descriptive synonyms.

Related Phrases

• Fetal sonogram: Specifies a sonogram taken during pregnancy to view the fetus.
  • The fetal sonogram confirmed the due date.
• Diagnostic sonogram: Specifies a sonogram used to diagnose a medical condition.
  • The diagnostic sonogram helped identify the cause of the pain.

Noun

1. an image of a structure that is produced by ultrasonography (reflections of high-frequency sound waves); used to observe fetal growth or to study bodily organs