I. əˈküstik, -tēk also -kyüs- or -kau̇s- adjective
or acous·ti·cal -ə̇kəl, -ēk-
Etymology: acoustic from Greek akoustikos of hearing, from akoustos heard, audible (from akouein to hear) + -ikos -ic; acoustical from acoustic + -al — more at hear
1.
a. : of, relating to, adapted to, or affecting the sense of hearing or the organs of hearing
the acoustic apparatus of the human ear
— compare auditory , aural
b. : of or relating to sound or sound waves
the acoustic intensity of a shrill voice
: deriving from sound
acoustic energy
c. : controlled or actuated by sound or sound waves
the ship was blown up by an acoustic mine
d. : influencing sound or sound waves (as in direction or speed)
their voices rang back from the acoustic barrier of the high cliff before them
e. : of, relating to, or concerned with acoustics
acoustic engineering
: specializing in acoustics
an acoustic contractor
2.
a. : made for, designed for, or having the quality of facilitating or improving the perception of sound
a tiny acoustic device very efficient in promoting hearing
: designed or serving to produce, carry, or diffuse sound
a highly efficient acoustic system
b. : made for, designed for, or having the quality of controlling sound ; especially : designed to eliminate or lessen noise and other unwanted sound (as reverberations or echoes) : noise-absorbent or sound-absorbent
an acoustic ceiling
acoustic wallboard
acoustic tile
3.
a.
(1) : of, relating to, adapted to, or produced by a method of recording sound by the use of a thin diaphragm vibrated directly by sound waves, the vibrations being in turn transmitted directly by the diaphragm to a recording stylus that cuts corresponding grooves (as in a revolving disc)
(2) : of, relating to, adapted to, or produced by a method of reproducing sound by the use of a reproducing stylus whose vibrations are transmitted directly to a thin diaphragm, the corresponding vibrations of the diaphragm being directly amplified to produce audible sound
an acoustic recording
— compare electric 1b
b. : of, relating to, or adapted to measurement of depth (as of the ocean) by means of sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
acoustic soundings
• acous·ti·cal·ly -k(ə)lē, -li adverb
II.
variant of acoustics
III. adjective
1. also acoustical : of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified
2.
a. : being a musical group or performer that uses acoustic instruments
b. : being or involving a musical performance on acoustic instruments
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: acoustic , adjective (herein)
: an acoustic musical instrument (as a guitar)