Acoustic

Definition

Acoustic is an adjective meaning (1) relating to sound or the sense of hearing; (2) concerning the properties of sound waves in physics; or (3) in music, produced by natural instruments without electronic amplification. As a noun (less common), it can mean the acoustic properties of a room or environment.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (rare, technical)

Pronunciation

American & British English

• IPA: /əˈkuːstɪk/
• Respelling: uh-KOO-stik

Etymology

Early 17th century: from French acoustique or modern Latin acousticus, from Greek akoustikos “of hearing,” from akouein “to hear.” Originally relating to the science of sound and hearing; later extended to describe non-electric, natural sound in music.

Derivatives

• acoustics (noun, usually plural) — the science of sound; also the sound qualities of a space
• acoustical (adjective) — relating to acoustics (often interchangeable with “acoustic” in technical contexts)

Synonyms

• aural
• sonic
• auditory
• natural (in music)

Antonyms

• electronic
• amplified
• digital (in music sense)

Usage

Adjective: “The hall has excellent acoustic properties for concerts.” / “She prefers playing on an acoustic guitar rather than an electric one.”

Noun (technical): “The acoustic of the chamber was carefully measured by engineers.”

Related Terms

• Acoustics: The branch of physics dealing with sound and hearing.
• Resonance: The reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection or vibration.
• Echo: The reflection of sound waves back to the listener.
• Frequency: The number of sound wave cycles per second, measured in hertz.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to sound or hearing.
  • Example: “Acoustic signals are harder to detect underwater.”
• Concerning the science of sound waves.
  • Example: “Acoustic engineers designed the auditorium to minimize echoes.”
• In music, produced without electronic amplification.
  • Example: “They performed an acoustic set with just guitars and vocals.”

Noun (rare)

• The acoustic qualities of a space or medium.
  • Example: “The cathedral’s acoustic made the choir sound majestic.”