Earreach

/ˈɪrritʃ/ noun

Definition

The distance within which sound can be heard; the range of hearing from a particular location.

Etymology

From 'ear' plus 'reach' (from Old English 'ræcan'). This describes how far your ears can detect sound, treating hearing like a physical distance someone could travel to.

Kelly Says

The concept of 'earreach' is surprisingly important in medieval and ancient warfare—commanders had to know the maximum distance their voices or horns could carry before and during battles, making it a literal strategic distance.

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