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catacoustics

noun/ˌkæt.əˈkuː.stɪks/

definition

the study of sound reflection and its effects

example

The architect integrated principles of catacoustics into the design to enhance the auditory experience of the concert hall.

synonyms
acousticssound reflectionreverberation
word origin — The word catacoustics is derived from the Greek roots 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'akoustikos' meaning 'of or for hearing'.

catacoustics, decoupage, mesoglea, kinesics, kenophobia: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 229. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. catacoustics · noun/ˌkæt.əˈkuː.stɪks/

    the study of sound reflection and its effects

    The architect integrated principles of catacoustics into the design to enhance the auditory experience of the concert hall.

    Synonyms: acoustics, sound reflection, reverberation

    Origin: The word catacoustics is derived from the Greek roots 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'akoustikos' meaning 'of or for hearing'.

  2. decoupage · noun/ˈdeɪkoʊpɑʒ/

    the art of decorating objects by gluing colored paper cutouts onto them

    She transformed an old table into a stunning piece of art with her decoupage techniques, layering vibrant cutouts of flowers and butterflies.

    Synonyms: collage, ornamentation, embellishment

    Origin: French 'découpage', meaning 'to cut out'

  3. mesoglea · noun/ˌmɛzoʊˈɡliːə/

    a gelatinous substance that fills the internal space between the ectoderm and endoderm in cnidarians

    The mesoglea provides structural support and buoyancy to jellyfish, allowing them to float gracefully in the water.

    Synonyms: gelatin, jelly, colloid

    Origin: Derived from the Greek words 'meso-' meaning 'middle' and 'glea' meaning 'glue' or 'gelatinous substance'.

  4. kinesics · noun/kɪˈniː.zɪks/

    the study of body movements and gestures as a form of communication

    In her presentation on nonverbal communication, she emphasized the importance of kinesics in interpreting social cues.

    Synonyms: nonverbal communication, body language, gestural communication

    Origin: from 'kinesis,' the Greek word for 'movement,' combined with the suffix '-ics' indicating a field of study

  5. kenophobia · noun/ˌkɛnəˈfoʊbiə/

    fear of vast or empty spaces

    Despite her love for nature, she had to admit that her kenophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy the vast open fields during their camping trip.

    Synonyms: agoraphobia, emptiness fear, wide space anxiety

    Origin: Derived from the Greek 'kenos' meaning 'empty' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'.