Acoustics
/ˌæk.uːˈstɪks/noun
The branch of physics concerned with sound, especially its production, transmission, and effects.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek akoustikos, “pertaining to hearing,” from akouein, “to hear,” which also gave English the eerie-sounding root behind “acoustic” in music and science.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱew-
“to hear, perceive”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀκούειν (akouein)
“to hear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀκουστικός (akoustikós)
“pertaining to hearing”
Late Latin
Latin
acusticus
“pertaining to hearing”
Late Middle French
French
acoustique
“relating to hearing or sound”
Modern English
English
acoustics
“the science of sound”