Reading Theme:
Stereo: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：sound system (stereo)
stereo
/ˈster.i.əʊ/
adj. & n.
A system or device that plays sound from two separate directions, making it seem like the sound is all around you.
sound system
➕
/saʊnd ˈsɪs.təm/
adj. & n.
A physical device or set of equipment used for playing recorded sound, typically consisting of two or more speakers.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'stereos' meaning solid, firm, or three-dimensional.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'STEreo' as 'STEreo Separates Tones Emanating Right & Left' - it splits sound.
📖 Example
She just downloaded a new song and played it on her stereo; the music filled the whole room with rich, lively sound.
She just downloaded a new song and played it on her sound system; the music filled the whole room with rich, lively sound.
🔗 Collocations
car stereo – the audio system installed in a vehicle
stereo equipment – the components that make up a sound system
stereo speakers – the individual units that produce sound in a system
🔄 Synonyms
hi-fi system (n.) – High-fidelity sound reproduction equipment.
audio system (n.) – A general term for a set of equipment used for sound playback.
sound system (n.) – Equipment for amplifying and playing sound.
🌱 Derivatives
stereophonic (adj.) – Relating to sound that is directed through two or more speakers so that it seems to surround the listener.
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'stereo' was first used for 'stereoscope', a device for viewing 3D images. It entered audio in the 1950s with 'stereophonic sound', describing sound recorded from two directions to create spatial depth.
Meaning 2：two-channel sound (stereo)
stereo
/ˈster.i.əʊ/
adj. & n.
Used to describe sound that is recorded or played from two different directions to create a sense of space.
two-channel sound
➕
/tuː ˈtʃæn.əl saʊnd/
adj. & n.
A method of recording, transmitting, or reproducing sound using two or more independent channels to create an immersive auditory experience.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Listening to the concert recording in stereo is amazing; you can clearly hear the guitar on the left and the drums on the right.
Listening to the concert recording in two-channel sound is amazing; you can clearly hear the guitar on the left and the drums on the right.
🔗 Collocations
stereo effect – the spatial auditory illusion created by dual-channel sound
stereo recording – an audio recording made with two or more microphones
broadcast in stereo – to transmit a signal using stereo sound technology
🔄 Synonyms
spatial audio (n.) – Sound reproduction that creates a three-dimensional auditory space.
binaural sound (n.) – Sound recorded using two microphones to create a 3D stereo effect for headphones.
immersive sound (n.) – Audio that creates a surrounding, multi-directional listening experience.
🚫 Antonyms
mono (adj. & n.) – Sound coming from a single channel or source, without spatial separation.
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