acoustics

[ uh-koo-stiks ]
/ əˈku stɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb) Physics. the branch of physics that deals with sound and sound waves.
(used with a plural verb) the qualities or characteristics of a room, auditorium, stadium, etc., that determine the audibility or fidelity of sounds in it.

Origin of acoustics

First recorded in 1675–85; see origin at acoustic, -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM acoustics

hy·per·a·cous·tics, noun

Definition for acoustics (2 of 2)

acoustic
[ uh-koo-stik ]
/ əˈku stɪk /

adjective Also a·cous·ti·cal.

pertaining to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sound.
(of a building material) designed for controlling sound.
Music.
  1. of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.
  2. arranged for or made up of such instruments: an acoustic solo; an acoustic group.

noun

Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

Origin of acoustic

From the Greek word akoustikós, dating back to 1595–1605. See acouasm, -tic

OTHER WORDS FROM acoustic

Example sentences from the Web for acoustics

British Dictionary definitions for acoustics (1 of 2)

acoustics
/ (əˈkuːstɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the scientific study of sound and sound waves
(functioning as plural) the characteristics of a room, auditorium, etc, that determine the fidelity with which sound can be heard within it

British Dictionary definitions for acoustics (2 of 2)

acoustic

acoustical

/ (əˈkuːstɪk) /

adjective

of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics
designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound an acoustic tile
(of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification an acoustic bass; an acoustic guitar

Derived forms of acoustic

acoustically, adverb

Word Origin for acoustic

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear

Medical definitions for acoustics (1 of 2)

acoustics
[ ə-kōōstĭks ]

n.

The scientific study of sound, especially of its generation, transmission, and reception.

Medical definitions for acoustics (2 of 2)

acoustic
[ ə-kōōstĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the perception of sound.

Scientific definitions for acoustics

acoustics
[ ə-kōōstĭks ]

Used with a singular verb The scientific study of sound and its transmission.
Used with a plural verb The total effect of sound, especially as produced in an enclosed space.