(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
Related formshy·per·a·cous·tics, noun
acoustic
[uh-koo-stik]
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.
of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.
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
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
1680s, "science of sound," from acoustic (also see -ics). Meaning "acoustic properties" of a building, etc., attested from 1885.
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.
