An acronym for SOund Navigation And Ranging, sonar uses sound waves to navigate and map surfaces. Sound waves created by an observer reflect off of surfaces and return to the observer. The amount of time it takes for the sound to return is a function of the distance the surface is from the observer. Bats use sonar to navigate through the dark. Ships use sonar to map the ocean floor.
Synonyms:
sonar, S.O.N.A.R., Sonar
