acoustic

 
Pronunciation: /əˈkuːstɪk/

adjective

  • 1relating to sound or the sense of hearing: dogs have a much greater acoustic range than humans
  • (of building materials) used for soundproofing or modifying sound: acoustic tiles
  • (of a device or system) utilizing sound energy in its operation.
  • (of an explosive mine or other weapon) able to be set off by sound waves.
  • 2(of popular music or musical instruments) not having electrical amplification: an acoustic guitar

noun

  • 1 (also acoustics) the properties or qualities of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted in it: the Symphony Hall has perfect acoustics
  • 2 (acoustics) [treated as singular] the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound: Tyndall lectured on acoustics
  • 3a guitar without electrical amplification: these German-made acoustics are exceptional value and a pleasure to play

Derivatives

acoustical

adjective

acoustically

adverb

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein 'hear'