cymatics
/saɪˈmætɪks/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
κῦμα (kyma) — wave
Overview
Meaning Now
- The study of visible sound and vibration, typically shown by placing powders, pastes, or liquids on a vibrating plate, diaphragm, or membrane.
Literal older meaning
study of waves
Language path
Ancient Greek → New Latin → English
Earliest form
Cymatics
Earliest period
1967
Journey
The term was introduced by Swiss physician and natural scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960s. He drew inspiration from the work of Ernst Chladni, who in the 18th century demonstrated how vibration affects sand on metal plates, now known as Chladni figures.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
κῦμα
“wave, billow, or swelling”
- 1967 (German)
Kymatik
“the study of wave phenomena”
Coined by Hans Jenny.
- Late 20th century (English)
cymatics
“the study of sound-induced patterns”
Connections
Word parts
cyma-
root
wave
-tics
suffix
the study or science of
Related across languages
German
Kymatik
cymatics
Explore next
Related to cymatics
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.