Acoustics Glossary

noun a frequency of sound waves that can be heard

• The audio frequency of the sound wave was measured in hertz.
• I adjusted the audio frequency on the stereo to make the music sound better.
• The audio frequency on this track is lit!
• His voice had an audio frequency that resonated with the audience.

noun a device or barrier that prevents movement or access

verb to totally bewilder or perplex

• The complex instructions baffle many of the new employees.
• I'm completely baffled by this math problem.
• The slang they used in the conversation completely baffled me.
• Her ability to remain calm in stressful situations never fails to baffle me.

noun the entire range of musical notes; the compass or range of a voice or instrument

• The orchestra conductor used the diapason to ensure all the instruments were in tune.
• I found a vintage diapason at the flea market for a great price.
• Let's crank up the diapason and get this party started!
• The CEO's speech struck a diapason with the employees, inspiring them to work harder.

noun the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge

• Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles and openings.
• When light passes through a small opening, you can see diffraction patterns on the wall.
• Dude, did you see the cool diffraction effect when we shone the laser through the glass?
• Her words had a diffraction effect, spreading out and affecting everyone in the room.

noun a device or substance that modulates, or regulates, a signal or process

• The modulator is a key component in the signal processing system.
• Hey, can you pass me the modulator for the audio system?
• I heard that new modulator is lit!
• She is like a modulator, always adjusting to different situations.

noun A monaural system is a type of audio system that uses a single channel for sound reproduction, as opposed to a stereo system which uses two channels.

• The monaural system is commonly used in older audio equipment.
• My grandpa still prefers his monaural system over modern stereo systems.
• I found a cool vintage monaural system at the thrift store.
• His monaural system of thinking limited his ability to see things from different perspectives.

noun a physical phenomenon that prevents the passage of sound waves

• The aircraft broke through the sound barrier during its supersonic flight.
• Did you hear that plane break the sound barrier? It was so loud!
• That car goes so fast, it feels like it's about to break the sound barrier!
• She felt like she was hitting a sound barrier in her career, unable to move forward.

noun a disturbance that moves through a medium by transferring energy from one particle to another

• The sound wave travels through the medium at a constant speed.
• Did you hear that sound wave just now?
• The sound wave was totally lit, dude!
• Her words created a sound wave of inspiration among the audience.

noun a device that produces or enhances sound waves by the use of aeroacoustics

• The aeroresonator is a key component in the design of the new aircraft engine.
• I heard they're installing an aeroresonator in the plane to make it more efficient.
• The aeroresonator is like the secret sauce that makes the jet engine go zoom!
• The aeroresonator hummed softly, as if whispering secrets to the wind.