stereo
Stereo (noun) means a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio. Example: “Turn the stereo up, this song is great.”
How to use stereo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSound (or images) that come from more than one channel or angle to create depth.
Word forms
stereoed past tense, stereos plural, stereos singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Turn the _____ up, this song is great.
Etymology
A shortening of stereophonic or stereotype, ultimately from Greek stereos, meaning "solid."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for stereo
See all rhymes for stereo →Frequently asked questions
What does “stereo” mean?
The word “stereo” means a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio. In plain terms, sound (or images) that come from more than one channel or angle to create depth.
How do you pronounce “stereo”?
“Stereo” is pronounced STEH-ree-oh (/ˈstɛəɹ.i.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stereo” in a sentence?
Here is “stereo” used in a sentence: “Turn the stereo up, this song is great.”
What is the opposite of “stereo”?
The opposite of “stereo” — its antonyms — are mono, monophonic and monaural.
What part of speech is “stereo”?
Depending on how it is used, “stereo” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “stereo” come from?
The word “stereo” comes from Greek. A shortening of stereophonic or stereotype, ultimately from Greek stereos, meaning "solid.".
Is “stereo” a common word?
“Stereo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stereo” have?
“Stereo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio.
What is the difference between "stereo" and "mono"?
"Stereo" uses two or more separate audio channels to create a sense of space and direction in sound, while "mono" uses a single channel with no directional separation.
What is the difference between "stereo" and "surround sound"?
"Stereo" typically refers to two-channel audio, left and right, while surround sound uses multiple channels positioned around the listener to create a fuller, more enveloping effect.
Can "stereo" describe images as well as sound?
Yes, in imaging "stereo" describes photos or displays built to create a three-dimensional visual effect, a separate usage from its audio meaning.
Is "a stereo" the sound system itself?
Informally, yes: "a stereo" refers to the whole audio setup, such as speakers and an amplifier, used to play stereo sound.
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