'acousmata' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀκούσματα', where 'ἀκούειν' meant 'to hear'.

'ἀκούσματα' changed from the Greek word 'ἀκούειν' and eventually became the modern English word 'acousma'.

Initially, it meant 'things heard', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sound or noise'.