Acoustics

/əˈkuːstɪks/

nounIntermediate📊CommonScience
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The branch of physics that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound.

/əˈkuːstɪks/

nounneutralIntermediate
Science

The science of sound

The room's acoustics were so bad that we couldn't hear the speaker.

💡 Simply: The study of sound.

More Examples

2

The concert hall is renowned for its superb acoustics.

How It's Used

Physics

"The acoustics of the concert hall were excellent."

Architecture

"The architects carefully considered the acoustics when designing the auditorium."

2

Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.

/əˈkuːstɪk/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Sound

Relating to sound or hearing

The concert featured both electric and acoustic instruments.

💡 Simply: Sound-related.

More Examples

2

Acoustic signals are crucial for underwater communication.

How It's Used

Music

"The band played an acoustic set."

Tip:Think 'acoustic' guitar – it produces sound without electronic amplification.

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

The term 'acoustics' has been used in relation to the study of sound since antiquity, though the modern scientific understanding developed much later.

Memory tip

Think 'acoustic' guitar – it relates to sound.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"relating to hearing"

acoustic guitarroom acousticsacoustic properties

Common misspellings

acoustixacousics

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written