| acoustoelectric effect [ǝ´küs·tō·ǝ`lek·trik i´fekt] ELECTRONICS 1. The development of a direct-current voltage in a semiconductor or metal by an acoustic wave traveling parallel to the surface of the material. Also known as electroacoustic effect. 2. The amplification of a sound wave propagating in a piezoelectric semiconductor subject to a steady electric field that is strong enough that the resulting electron drift velocity exceeds the speed of sound. |