[mod. f. CATA- in sense ‘against and back from’ + ACOUSTICS. In F. catacoustique. Cf. CATOPTRICS.]
1. A name for the science of reflected sounds.
1683. Phil. Trans., XIV. 473. Hearing may be divided into Direct, Refracted, and Reflex’d, which are yet nameless, unless we call them Acousticks, Diacousticks, and Catacousticks.
1721. in Bailey.
1751. in Chambers, Cycl. In all mod. Dicts.
2. (See quot.)
1803. Rees, Cycl., Catacoustics are écoutes or small galleries from distance to distance in front of the glacis of a fortified place.
