What does subaudible mean?
Subaudible is an adjective describing a sound that exists below the threshold of human hearing. Such sounds may be measurable with sensitive instruments, yet cannot ordinarily be perceived by the human ear. The term is especially common in acoustics, biology, signal processing, and discussions of animal communication. It is more precise than simply calling a sound faint: “faint” can describe an audible noise that is quiet, whereas “subaudible” indicates that its frequency or intensity lies outside normal human auditory perception. The word combines the prefix “sub-,” meaning below, with “audible,” meaning able to be heard. It is useful when discussing ultrasonic communication, low-frequency vibration, or technologies that detect sounds beyond the limits of unaided human perception.
adjectiveBelow the threshold of human hearing; too faint to be heard.
- Below the threshold of human hearing; too faint to be heard.
"The recording captured a series of subaudible clicks that specialists could detect with sensitive equipment."
"Some animals can detect sounds that are subaudible to humans."
"The laboratory instrument was designed to record subaudible vibrations."
A subaudible sound can exist and even be measured without being heard by the human ear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subaudible come from?
“Subaudible” was formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix “sub-” with “audible.” The latter comes from Latin audire, “to hear,” and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root associated with hearing and listening. The compound follows the productive English pattern of “sub-” plus a descriptive term, and it has been used in technical writing concerning sound and hearing.
Related word forms
How subaudible is actually used
Usually used in technical, scientific, or acoustic contexts. It describes sound that falls below the normal range of human hearing, rather than simply a sound that is temporarily masked or difficult to hear.
Easily confused with subaudible
Both describe sounds that cannot be heard, but “inaudible” emphasizes a sound being impossible or impossible in practice to hear, whereas “subaudible” specifically places it below the normal threshold of human hearing.
Subaudible sounds are below the audible frequency range, while ultrasonic sounds are above it; both are outside ordinary human hearing.