acoustic

[uh-koo-stik]

adjective

1. pertaining to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sound.

2. (of a building material) designed for controlling sound.

3. Music.

   1. of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.

   2. arranged for or made up of such instruments.

      an acoustic solo; an acoustic group.

noun

1. Obsolete.,  a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

acoustic

/ əˈkuːstɪk /

adjective

1. of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics

2. designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound

   an acoustic tile

3. (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification

   an acoustic bass

   an acoustic guitar

Other Word Forms

• acoustically adverb
• nonacoustic adjective
• nonacoustical adjective
• nonacoustically adverb
• unacoustic adjective
• unacoustical adjective
• unacoustically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

From the Greek word akoustikós, dating back to 1595–1605. See acouasm, -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear

Example Sentences

“Nowhere Is Where” is silent but lethal, Price’s gorgeously textured voice over an acoustic guitar, small harmonies on the chorus, an upright bass over in the corner, a fiddle underscoring the anguish.

From Salon

The main stage also has a thick concrete ceiling, and its subtly faceted acoustic wall panels, embedded with micro-perforations, double as sound absorbers and diffusers, subtly tuning the space.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of your singing is the “Nebraska” songs, these delicate acoustic songs about despairing characters who have lost hope.

From Los Angeles Times

He pans the camera to another corner of his apartment, where an acoustic and electric guitar are racked up next to a mixing console.

From Los Angeles Times

But Neil and the chrome hearts would also swap their axes for acoustic guitars.

From Salon