acoustics

[ uh-koo-stiks ]

/ əˈku stɪks /

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See synonyms for acoustics on Thesaurus.com

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.

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Origin of acoustics

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

OTHER WORDS FROM acoustics

hy·per·a·cous·tics, noun

Words nearby acoustics

acoustic neuroma, acoustic ohm, acoustic phonetics, acoustic reactance, acoustic resistance, acoustics, acoustic shock, acoustic spectrography, acoustic theodolite, acoustic torpedo, acoustimeter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use acoustics in a sentence

You might be able to save a few hundred dollars on older-version LS50 Wireless speakers, but if your budget supports it, we recommend going with the most recent generation for its improved acoustics and future-proof format support.
The best stereo speakers of 2022|Sarah Jones|February 22, 2022|Popular-Science
The Alvin’s inaugural years in the 1960s focused on salvage, acoustics research and other naval needs until other funding agencies stepped in.
A new book explores how military funding shaped the science of oceanography|Alka Tripathy-Lang|April 16, 2021|Science News
One, with a grand main chamber dramatically illuminated by candle niches, recently shared its acoustics during a concert.
New Mexico’s Amazing Man-Made Caves|Nina Strochlic|December 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In order to understand what follows we must make a short excursion into the realm of acoustics.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building|George Laing Miller

It is literally a falling off, and on the principles of acoustics must of necessity make the tone thin.
Violins and Violin Makers|Joseph Pearce
Here I've spent heaven knows how much on the acoustics of this theatre, and I can't make out a word she says.
The Regent|E. Arnold Bennett
He had to devise his own governors for the synchronous mechanism, and here his knowledge of acoustics helped him.
Heroes of the Telegraph|J. Munro
But the courtrooms are stuffy little dens, illy ventilated, awkwardly placed, and with the poorest of acoustics.
The Everett massacre|Walker C. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for acoustics

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

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