sounder

Sounder is a term with several distinct meanings used in different fields. In zoology and agriculture, a sounder refers to a social group of pigs, typically consisting of sows and their piglets, though sometimes including adult boars. The term is common in farming, wildlife management, and behavioral studies to describe how pigs organize and move together.

In maritime and hydrographic contexts, a sounder (often called a depth sounder or echo sounder) is an instrument that measures water depth by sending a sound pulse into the water and recording the time it takes for the echo to return. Modern sounders use sonar and display depth on navigational screens, aiding charting of seabeds, navigation, and locating fish. Depth accuracy depends on factors such as the speed of sound in water, temperature, and salinity.

In culture and media, Sounder is the title of a 1969 novel by William H. Armstrong and its 1972 film adaptation, which depict life in rural America. The term’s usage in these contexts does not directly relate to the animal or navigational senses but reflects its presence as a proper title.

Overall, sounder is a polysemous word tied to animal behavior, marine measurement technology, and cultural works, with each sense serving a distinct domain of use.