acoustic

[uh-koo-stik]

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.

noun

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

acoustic

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear

Example Sentences

Sherr had been given a Martin acoustic guitar at 16 by her brother.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The British singer and his band trade instruments with a sense of ease — splitting their time among a cello, keyboards, synthesizers, a drum machine, electric and acoustic guitars.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The team initially assumed the device was part of a navigational marker, but later suspected it resembled a sonobuoy - an acoustic monitoring device, often used to detect submarines.

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The automated, data-focused method also streamlines passive acoustic monitoring, offering a more dependable and accessible option than common techniques such as spoor surveys or camera trapping.

Read more on Science Daily

Yorke glides across the stage, doing that dance he does, moving from acoustic guitar to electric piano and back again.

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