acoustic spectrum

7.2

The range of high and low sounds a source makes, like a voice or instrument

noun
/əˈkuːstɪk ˈspɛktrəm/

Specialized

: espectro acústico

Different musical instruments produce a unique acoustic spectrum, allowing us to distinguish their sounds.

Examples

Changes in the acoustic spectrum can indicate damage to a machine or structure.
The acoustic spectrum of the violin was analyzed using advanced computer software.
The acoustic spectrum of the piano is rich and varied.
Can you analyze the acoustic spectrum of this recording?
Different musical instruments produce a unique acoustic spectrum, allowing us to distinguish their sounds.
The acoustic spectrum of the violin was analyzed using advanced computer software.
Changes in the acoustic spectrum can indicate damage to a machine or structure.

Synonyms

sound spectrum

vsacoustic spectrum

Specialized

6.7

The loudness of the high and low parts of a sound, for example a violin or flute

is the same concept but uses a different technical label

How Wide

acoustic spectrum

Specialized

7.2

pure tone

Specialized

1 5.8

Surface Forms

acoustic spectrum singular

acoustic spectrums plural

Morphology

acoustic + spectrum

The phrase simply combines 'acoustic' (relating to sound) with 'spectrum' (a band or distribution across frequencies/wavelengths), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the distribution of sound energy across frequencies. The extension of 'spectrum' from light/electromagnetism to sound is a common, transparent compositional pattern found in many languages, making the meaning predictable for B1 learners.

Etymology

Acoustic spectrum may come from the image of a rainbow for 'sound', because acoustic means 'sound' and spectrum means a range like the colours in a rainbow. So an acoustic spectrum is like a picture that shows which high and low sounds are strong or weak, and that's why it helps us tell instruments apart or find damage.