Circumaural is a word used to describe headphones that completely surround the ear. It is pronounced /sɜːrkjʊˈmɔːrəl/ and spelled with the prefix "circum-" meaning "around" and the suffix "-aural" meaning "relating to the ear". The spelling of the word is phonetically influenced by the middle syllable "kju" which is derived from the Latin "qui" and is pronounced like the letter "Q" followed by the vowel sound "u". The word is widely used in the audio industry to describe headphones with larger ear cups that rest around the ear.
Circumaural refers to a type of headphone or earphone design that fully encompasses or encloses the ears. The term "circum" is derived from the Latin word "circum," meaning "around," while "aural" pertains to the ears, originating from the Latin word "auris." The circumaural design aims to provide optimal sound isolation and noise cancellation by physically blocking external sounds and sealing off the ear from its surroundings.
These headphones typically feature large ear cups that are spacious enough to encompass the entire ear, fitted with cushioned padding for comfort during extended periods of use. The ear cups are often made of materials like foam or synthetic leather, which contribute to a better seal and help minimize sound leakage. The headband of circumaural headphones is placed over the head, distributing the weight and pressure evenly to enhance stability and reduce discomfort.
Due to the closed-back design, circumaural headphones provide a heightened immersive audio experience by effectively trapping sound within the ear cups, preventing outside noise from disturbing the listening experience. This design is favored by professionals and audiophiles who require accurate audio reproduction and passive noise isolation. Additionally, circumaural headphones are known for their ability to deliver deep bass response, as the design allows the drivers to move more freely, resulting in superior low-frequency performance.
Whether used in professional studios, during critical listening sessions, or even for casual music enjoyment, circumaural headphones are valued for their comfort, noise isolation capabilities, and high-quality audio reproduction.
The word "circumaural" is derived from two Latin roots - "circum" and "auris".
The prefix "circum-" means "around" or "surrounding" in Latin. It is commonly used to denote something that is encircling or encompassing. In this case, "circum-" suggests encircling the ear.
The Latin word "auris" translates to "ear". It is the root word from which various other terms related to the ear are derived, such as "aural" and "auricle".
Therefore, the word "circumaural" combines these two elements to refer to something that encircles or surrounds the ear. In the context of headphones, "circumaural" indicates headphones that completely cover or enclose the ears.