Meaning & use

acoustic wave

noun·Academic

A wave of sound energy that travels through air, water, or another medium.

See it in a sentence

The sensor detects an acoustic wave produced by the machine's vibrating parts.

Engineers measured how the acoustic wave weakened as it passed through the wall.

A note on using this word

Acoustic wave is the technical term used in physics and engineering, while 'sound wave' is the everyday equivalent.

Words with a similar meaning

sound wave

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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