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acoustics

 - 9 dictionary results

a⋅cous⋅tics

[uh-koo-stiks]
–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.

Origin:
1675–85; see acoustic, -ics

a⋅cous⋅tic

[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.
a. of, pertaining to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.
b. arranged for or made up of such instruments: an acoustic solo; an acoustic group.
–noun
4. Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

Origin:
1595–1605; < Gk akoustikós. See acouasm, -tic


a⋅cous⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To acoustics
a·cous·tic   (ə-kōō'stĭk)   
adj.   also a·cous·ti·cal (-stĭ-kəl)
  1. Of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the science of sound.

    1. Designed to carry sound or to aid in hearing.

    2. Designed to absorb or control sound: acoustic tile.

    3. Of or being an instrument that does not produce or enhance sound electronically: an acoustic guitar; an acoustic bass.

    4. Being a performance that features such instruments: opened the show with an acoustic set.

  2. Music

    1. Of or being an instrument that does not produce or enhance sound electronically: an acoustic guitar; an acoustic bass.

    2. Being a performance that features such instruments: opened the show with an acoustic set.

n.   Music
An acoustic instrument.

[Greek akoustikos, pertaining to hearing, from akouein, to hear; see kous- in Indo-European roots.]
a·cous'ti·cal·ly adv.
a·cous·tics   (ə-kōō'stĭks)   


(click for larger image in new window)
n.  
  1. (used with a sing. verb) The scientific study of sound, especially of its generation, transmission, and reception.

  2. (used with a pl. verb) The total effect of sound, especially as produced in an enclosed space: "Such annoyances are frequently caused by flaws in the acoustics rather than the performers" (Mel Gussow).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

acoustic 
1605, from Fr. acoustique, from Gk. akoustikos "pertaining to hearing," from akoustos "heard, audible," from akouein "to hear," from copulative prefix a- + koein "to mark, perceive, hear," from PIE base *(s)keu- "to notice, observe" (see caveat). Acoustics is attested from 1683. Acoustic guitars (as opposed to electric) first attested 1966.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: acous·tic
Pronunciation: &-'kü-stik
Variant: or acous·ti·cal /-sti-k&l/
Function:adjective
: of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds <acoustic apparatus of the ear> <acoustic energy>: as a : deadening or absorbing sound <acoustic tile> b : operated by or utilizing sound waves —acous·ti·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb

Main Entry: acous·tics
Pronunciation: &-'kü-stiks
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
: a science that deals withthe production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

acoustic a·cous·tic (ə-k&oomacr;'stĭk) or a·cous·ti·cal (-stĭ-kəl)
adj.
Of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the perception of sound.

acoustics a·cous·tics (ə-k&oomacr;'stĭks)
n.
The scientific study of sound, especially of its generation, transmission, and reception.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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