acoustic

Everyday

1. Acoustic means to do with sound or hearing. tree →
2. An acoustic musical instrument makes sound without electric power, like an ordinary guitar or piano. tree →
3. Acoustic music is played on such instruments, not electric ones. tree →
4. (plural noun) Acoustics are how well sound carries in a room or hall. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science (sound waves, echoes), music (acoustic guitar, an acoustic version of a song), and buildings (concert hall acoustics).

Examples

• She plays an acoustic guitar, not an electric one. tree →
• The band did an acoustic version of their hit song. tree →
• The hall has great acoustics, so everyone can hear. tree →
• Bats use acoustic signals to find food. tree →
• Acoustic panels on the wall stop echoes. tree →
• We learned about acoustic waves in science. tree →

Note

Pronounced a-KOO-stik. «Acoustics» (the qualities of a room) usually takes a plural verb: «The acoustics are good». As a science subject, «acoustics» is singular: «Acoustics is the study of sound».