acoustic

== English == === Alternative forms === acoustical, acoustick (obsolete) === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /əˈkuː.stɪk/ (General American, Canada) IPA(key): /əˈku.stɪk/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /əˈkʉː.stɪk/ (New Zealand) IPA(key): /əˈkʉː.stək/ Rhymes: -uːstɪk === Etymology 1 === Borrowed from Medieval Latin acousticus, acūsticus, from Ancient Greek ἀκουστῐκός (akoustĭkós, “of or for hearing”), from ἀκούω (akoúō, “to hear”) +‎ -ῐκός (-ĭkós, adjectival suffix). ==== Adjective ==== acoustic (not comparable) Pertaining to the sense of hearing, the organs of hearing, or the science of sounds. Synonym: auditory (architecture, of building materials) Used for soundproofing or modifying sound. Of a device or system, using sound energy in its operation. (weaponry) Of an explosive mine or other weapon, able to be set off by sound waves. (music) Naturally producing or produced by an instrument without electrical amplification or the need thereof. Coordinate term: unplugged (transferred sense, humorous or proscribed) Nonelectric; mechanical or otherwise basic. Synonym: analog ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== ==== Noun ==== acoustic (plural acoustics) (usually in the plural) The properties or qualities of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted in it. (medicine) A medicine or other agent to assist hearing. Clipping of acoustic guitar. ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === Due to the shared metrical structure of autistic and acoustic. Popularized on TikTok in late October 2023. ==== Adjective ==== acoustic (comparative more acoustic, superlative most acoustic) (Internet slang, sometimes offensive, sometimes humorous) Euphemistic form of autistic. Synonym: artistic ===== Notes ===== Though often considered to be euphemistic, this term is sometimes regarded by autistic people and autistic advocates to be an ableist slur. It is therefore proscribed in many conversational contexts. In other contexts, however, it can, especially when used in a question, like, 'Why is he doing X? Is he acoustic?' be humorous. === References === === Further reading === “acoustic”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022. “acoustic”, in Merriam-Webster.com Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.