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sonobuoy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səˈnoʊˌbuː/

KK: /səˈnoʊˌbuː/

noun
Definition

A floating device that listens for sounds underwater and sends signals to a receiver.


Example

The navy deployed several sonobuoys to monitor submarine activity in the area.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the new sonobuoy technology they are using for marine research?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that it can detect sounds from deep underwater!
Sloth A
Exactly! It's amazing how it can transmit data back to the surface.
Sloth B
I can only imagine how helpful that will be for scientists studying ocean life.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
buoy
float
marker
Antonyms
sink
submerge
drown
Root Explanation

Sonobuoy → It is formed from "sono-" (from Latin "sonus", meaning sound) and "buoy" (from Old French "boie", meaning a floating object). The word "sonobuoy" refers to a floating device that detects sound underwater, particularly for military or scientific purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sound' ('sono-') and a 'floating object' ('buoy') — a sonobuoy is a device that floats on water to detect sounds beneath the surface.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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