3.1 Definitions—Terms and related definitions given in Section 4 are intended for use uniformly and consistently in all building and environmental acoustic test standards in which they appear.

3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to Each Standard: 

3.2.1 As indicated in Section 4, terms and their definitions are intended to provide a precise understanding and interpretation of the building and environmental acoustic test standards in which they appear.

3.2.2 A specific definition of a given term is applicable to the standard or standards in which the term is described and used.

3.2.3 Different definitions of the same term are acceptable provided each one is consistent with and is not in conflict with the standard definition for the same term, that is, the general concept the term describes.

3.2.4 If a standard under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 specially defines a term, i.e. provides a definition different in any way from what is given in Section 4 of Terminology C634, that standard shall list the term and its description under the subheading, Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard.

3.2.4.1 Discussion—The mandatory language of section 3.2.4 is consistent with the mandatory language from §E2 of Form and Style for ASTM Standards (April 2020) and with the ASTM Committee E33 bylaws in place when this standard was published; it reflects a situation that exists, it does not prescribe anything.

3.3 Definitions for some terms associated with building and environmental acoustic issues and not included in Terminology C634 are found in ISO/TR 25417 or IEEE P260.4. When discrepancies exist, the definition in Terminology C634 shall prevail.

1.1 This terminology covers terms, related definitions, and descriptions of terms used or likely to be used in building and environmental acoustics standards. Definitions of terms are special-purpose definitions that are consistent with the standard definitions but are written to ensure that a specific building and environmental acoustics standard is properly understood and precisely interpreted. The primary focus of this document is upon terms, definitions and descriptions found within standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33; however, terms, definitions and descriptions that are of general interest to the field of acoustics are also included.

1.2 This building and environmental acoustics standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.