acoustics

plural noun

acous·​tics ə-ˈkü-stiks 

1

singular in construction : a science that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound

2

also acoustic ə-ˈkü-stik  : the qualities that determine the ability of an enclosure (such as an auditorium) to reflect sound waves in such a way as to produce distinct hearing

Examples of acoustics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Robine Sabat, an acoustics researcher at the University of Lille in France, has been trying to improve noise insulation by studying how sound waves bounce around in hollow cavities. —Rachel Berkowitz, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024

The receiver is also equipped with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer), which corrects the sound for differences in a room’s acoustics to create the ideal listening environment. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023

Vaillant has altered the angle of the blades and cut zigzagged notches into their edges, testing the results in an acoustics room on the premises of their factory. —Patrick Junker Patrick Junker, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2022

What Hi-Fi interviewed Esge Andersen, an engineer from Apple’s acoustics team. —José Adorno, BGR, 25 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

acoust(ic) + -ics

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

acoustics

singular or plural noun

acous·​tics ə-ˈkü-stiks 

1

: a science dealing with sound

2

also acoustic

-stik

: the qualities in an enclosed space (as an auditorium) that make it easy or hard for a person in it to hear distinctly

Medical Definition

acoustics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

acous·​tics ə-ˈkü-stiks 

: a science that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound