[ek-oh-loh-key-shuh
n] 
| 1. | the general method of locating objects by determining the time for an echo to return and the direction from which it returns, as by radar or sonar. |
| 2. | Zoology. the sonarlike system used by dolphins, bats, and other animals to detect and locate objects by emitting usually high-pitched sounds that reflect off the object and return to the animal's ears or other sensory receptors. |
| ech·o·lo·ca·tion (ěk'ō-lō-kā'shən) n. In both senses also called echo ranging.
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| echolocation (ěk'ō-lō-kā'shən) Pronunciation Key
Sonar, especially of animals, such as bats and toothed whales. See more at sonar. |