echolocation

noun

Etymology: Coined by American zoologist Donald Griffin in 1944, from echo- + location.

1. The use of echoes to detect objects as observed in bats and other natural creatures.

   “Since there is no convenient term available to describe this process of locating obstacles by means of echoes, I suggest the word echolocation[…]. The meaning of this word, and a corresponding verb to echolocate, are likely to be clear when first heard or read, since they are formed simply by joining echo and locate. It seems best to accent the first syllable in order to make clear that the word echo is employed.”

   “Now similarly with the aquatic mammals, we know that they can make sounds. We are beginning to get information—although no curves yet—on their sensitivity of hearing. These need to be followed up and we should look for this process of echo-ranging or echolocation.”