acoustics
uh-KOO-stiks
/əˈkuːstɪks/
The properties or qualities of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted within it.
Refers to physical sound characteristics (resonance, reflection, echo) engineered into or natural to a room.
The story behind the word. Derived from Ancient Greek 'akoustikos' (pertaining to hearing), from 'akouein' (to hear). French scientists in the 17th century coined 'acoustique' to denote the formal physical study of sound waves.
Word relationships
- sound resonance: 'Resonance' is vibration reflection, while 'acoustics' encompasses total physical sound behavior in space.
Commonly confused with
- acoustic: 'Acoustic' (adjective) means unamplified; 'acoustics' (noun) means room sound properties.
Word family
- acoustic (adjective): relating to sound or non-electric instruments
Collocations
- flawless acoustics
- poor acoustics
- hall acoustics
- improve the acoustics
Example sentences
- "The cathedral's exceptional acoustics allow a quiet whisper to be heard clearly across the entire nave." Architectural design
- "Musicians love performing in this hall because the natural acoustics require minimal electronic amplification." Venue selection
Memory hook
ACOUSTICS lets sound accustom itself smoothly to your ears. ACOUSTICS = how sound behaves in a space.
When not to use
Do not use 'acoustics' to mean electronic speaker units.
Fun facts
- The ancient Greek theater at Epidaurus has acoustics so clear that 14,000 spectators can hear a match struck on stage.
Related words
Explore more words
acoustic, reverberate, timbre, reflection, resonance, ambiance
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