forward masking

noun

: masking (see masking entry 1 sense 2c) of one stimulus by the occurrence of another stimulus right before it
Forward masking is a form of temporal inhibition in which a loud sound suppresses the response to subsequent sounds …Erik C. Sobel and David W. Tank, Science, 11 Feb. 1994
Some investigators have reported that people with hearing loss exhibit more forward masking than would be predicted based on the test results of normal-hearing individuals.Vishakha W. Rawool, The Hearing Review, June 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forward masking was in 1965

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near forward masking

Cite this Entry

“Forward masking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward%20masking. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!