kilohertz

[ kil-uh-hurts ]

noun

, Physics.

, plural kil·o·hertz, kil·o·hertz·es.

1. a unit of frequency, equal to 1000 cycles per second. : kHz

kilohertz

/ ˈkɪləʊˌhɜːts /

noun

1. one thousand hertz; one thousand cycles per second kHz

kilohertz

/ kĭl′ə-hûrts′ /

1. A unit of frequency equal to 1,000 cycles per second (1,000 hertz). It is used in the measurement of radio, sound, and other waves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kilohertz¹

First recorded in 1925–30; kilo- + hertz

Example Sentences

The result: The microphone picked up sounds at frequencies between 40 and 80 kilohertz — far above what the human ear can detect.

From Washington Post

The sounds are also emitted at the same volume that people talk to each other, but humans can’t pick up on noises that are higher than 16 kilohertz.

From Washington Times

The reason you have probably never heard a thirsty plant make noise is that the sounds are ultrasonic — about 20–100 kilohertz.

From Scientific American

When startled, grigs emit squeaks that soar into ultrasonic frequencies around 13 kilohertz to scare off predators.

From New York Times

For low-frequency tones, around four kilohertz, the mice that hit the lever got a slightly unpleasant surprise: a discomforting puff of air was blown at them.

From Scientific American