Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

acoustics

[uh-koo-stiks]
See more synonyms for acoustics on Thesaurus.com
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.
Show More

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.
Show More
noun
  1. Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.
Show More

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

Examples from the Web for acoustics

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

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
Show More

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
Show More
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.

Show More

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.

Show More
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.
Show More

acoustic

(ə-kōō′stĭk)
adj.
  1. Of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the perception of sound.
Show More
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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.