Acoustic

/əˈkuːstɪk/

adjectiveIntermediateCommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Relating to sound or hearing.

/əˈkuːstɪk/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Legal

Relating to sound or the sense of hearing

The acoustic guitar's mellow tones filled the room.

💡 Simply: Having to do with sound.

More Examples

2

The hall has excellent acoustic qualities.

How It's Used

Music

"The band's acoustic set was mesmerizing."

Physics

"Acoustic properties of the room were carefully considered."

2

A musical instrument that produces sound without electronic amplification.

/əˈkuːstɪk/

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

An acoustic musical instrument

She prefers the warmth of an acoustic guitar to an electric one.

💡 Simply: A musical instrument that isn't plugged in.

How It's Used

Music

"He plays the acoustic guitar."

Tip:Acoustic instruments don't need electricity.

From Late Latin acusticus, from Greek akoustikos 'related to hearing', from akouein 'to hear'.

The term has been used in its current scientific sense since the 19th century, but its roots go back to ancient Greek understanding of sound and hearing.

Memory tip

Think 'acoustics' – the study of sound.

Base: acoustic
acousicacoustical

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written