Lexicon: Echo

An echo refers to the reflection of sound waves off surfaces back to the listener's ears. It occurs when sound waves encounter a hard, reflective surface and bounce back. The time delay between the original sound and its echo depends on the distance to the reflecting surface. Echos are commonly heard in large open spaces, mountains, canyons, or buildings with hard walls. They can add a sense of depth and spaciousness to the auditory environment. In music, echo effects are often used creatively to enhance certain passages or add a sense of ambiance to the sound.