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acoustics

[uh-koo-stiks]
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noun
  1. (used with a singular verb) Physics. the branch of physics that deals with sound and sound waves.
  2. (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.
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Origin of acoustics

First recorded in 1675–85; see origin at acoustic, -ics
Related formshy·per·a·cous·tics, noun

acoustic

[uh-koo-stik]
adjective Also a·cous·ti·cal.
  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.
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Origin of acoustic

From the Greek word akoustikós, dating back to 1595–1605. See acouasm, -tic
Related formsa·cous·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·a·cous·tic, adjective, nounnon·a·cous·ti·cal, adjectivenon·a·cous·ti·cal·ly, adverbun·a·cous·tic, adjectiveun·a·cous·ti·cal, adjectiveun·a·cous·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

soundnoiseecho

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British Dictionary definitions for acoustics

acoustics

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

acoustical

adjective
  1. of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics
  2. designed to respond to, absorb, or control soundan acoustic tile
  3. (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplificationan acoustic bass; an acoustic guitar
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Derived Formsacoustically, adverb

Word Origin

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for acoustics

n.

1680s, "science of sound," from acoustic (also see -ics). Meaning "acoustic properties" of a building, etc., attested from 1885.

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acoustic

adj.

c.1600, from French acoustique, from Greek akoustikos "pertaining to hearing," from akoustos "heard, audible," verbal adjective from akouein "to hear," probably from copulative prefix a- + koein "to mark, perceive, hear," from PIE *kous- "to hear," perhaps from root *(s)keu- "to notice, observe" (see caveat). Acoustic guitar (as opposed to electric) attested by 1958. Related: Acoustical; acoustically.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
acoustics in Medicine

acoustics

(ə-kōō′stĭks)
n.
  1. The scientific study of sound, especially of its generation, transmission, and reception.
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acoustic

(ə-kōō′stĭk)
adj.
  1. Of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the perception of sound.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
acoustics in Science

acoustics

[ə-kōō′stĭks]
  1. Used with a singular verb The scientific study of sound and its transmission.
  2. Used with a plural verb The total effect of sound, especially as produced in an enclosed space.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.