acoustic

American  

[uh-koo-stik] / əˈku stɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sound.

2. (of a building material) designed for controlling sound.

3. 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.

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noun

1. Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

acoustic British  

/ əˈkuːstɪk /

adjective

1. of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics

2. designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound

   an acoustic tile

3. (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification

   an acoustic bass

   an acoustic guitar

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Other Word Forms

• acoustically adverb
• nonacoustic adjective
• nonacoustical adjective
• nonacoustically adverb
• unacoustic adjective
• unacoustical adjective
• unacoustically adverb

Etymology

Origin of acoustic

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

Example Sentences

Investigators say sparklers likely ignited flammable acoustic foam on the ceiling, and witnesses described flames racing overhead before many patrons understood the danger.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pilloud said investigators were examining the installation of acoustic foam at the venue.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” captures the making of the singer’s skeletal acoustic album “Nebraska” and his battles with depression.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last year, it installed an acoustic barrier to shield bats from noise while replacing underground cables.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most noise complaints on the capital's iHanoi app stem from pickleball, according to state media, which has dubbed the sport an "acoustic hazard".

From Barron's