Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
electrolocation

electrolocation

9.9
Ability to find objects by sensing small electric fields, used by some fish
  • noun
  • /ˌɛlɛktrəloʊˈkeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : electrolocalización
  • The ability of sharks to detect hidden animals is due in part to electrolocation.

Examples

  • Scientists study how certain fish use electrolocation to navigate and find prey in murky waters.

  • Some aquatic animals rely on electrolocation rather than sight to understand their surroundings.

  • Some fish use electrolocation to find prey in murky waters.

  • The electrolocation abilities of electric eels are fascinating.

  • Some fish use electrolocation to find prey hidden in the mud at the bottom of the river.

  • The shark's electrolocation capabilities allow it to detect the movements of prey from a distance.

  • Scientists are studying electrolocation in electric fishes to understand how they navigate their environment.

Compounds

active electrolocation
  • Specialized
9.9

A way some fish find objects by making a weak electric field and sensing changes in the field

passive electrolocation
  • Specialized
9.9

The ability of some fish and amphibians to sense nearby electric signals in water with special skin sensors

Surface Forms

electrolocation singular
electrolocations plural

Morphology

electrolocation = location (semi-transparent) = electro + location

The word is built transparently from electro- + location, but the scientific sense is specialized and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Electrolocation comes from the parts electro- meaning 'electric' and -location meaning 'place' or 'finding', which you can see in the words electric and location. So, electrolocation means finding or locating things by sensing electric fields, as some fish and animals do in dark or murky water.