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Glite Dictionary
acoustic delay line

acoustic delay line

8.8
A device that delays electrical signals by turning them into sound waves that travel and become electrical signals again
  • noun
  • /əˈkuːstɪk dɪˈleɪ laɪn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : línea de retardo acústica
  • Early televisions sometimes incorporated an acoustic delay line for processing sound.

Examples

  • The engineer used an acoustic delay line to synchronize the signals in the circuit.

  • The acoustic delay line converts electrical signals to sound waves, allowing for controlled delays in processing.

  • Researchers tested the performance of a new material for use in acoustic delay line components.

  • The engineer installed an acoustic delay line for better audio quality.

  • Can you explain how an acoustic delay line works?

  • In modern audio systems, an acoustic delay line helps to improve sound synchronization.

  • Engineers used an acoustic delay line to ensure that the audio and visual signals were perfectly aligned.

Synonyms

sonic delay line
vsacoustic delay line
  • Specialized
9.6

A device that delays a signal using the time sound takes to travel

uses electrical to sound conversion and back to hold the same signal
delay line
vsacoustic delay line
  • Specialized
6.7

An electronic circuit that makes a signal arrive later by a certain amount of time

implements holding by converting signals into sound waves and back
delayer
vsacoustic delay line
  • Specialized
7.6

A device that delays an electrical signal by a set amount of time

achieves holding through converting to sound waves rather than pure electronic means

Surface Forms

acoustic delay line singular
acoustic delay lines plural

Morphology

acoustic + delay + line

The components 'acoustic' (relating to sound), 'delay' (a time lag) and 'line' (a channel or device) together make it reasonably inferable as a sound-based channel that produces a delay, so a B1 learner who knows the parts could grasp the general function. However, the precise technical mechanism (conversion between electrical signals and sound waves) and specialised use are domain-specific and not fully predictable from the words alone, so the term is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Acoustic delay line comes from its parts: acoustic means 'sound' and a delay line is a 'line' that makes a signal take longer. In this device an electric signal is changed into sound that travels through a tube or block and so the signal is held back for a short time, which is why the name means 'delay using sound'.