AAC
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Advanced Audio Coding |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Medical |
AAC has two meanings. It stands for Advanced Audio Coding (file format) or Augmentative and alternative communication (rehabilitation).
Meanings of AAC at a glance
| # | AAC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Audio Coding | Technology & Computing › File Format |
| 2 | Augmentative and alternative communication | Medical › Rehabilitation |
1. Advanced Audio Coding
Technology & Computing · File Format Abbreviations
Lossy audio compression format designed as the successor to MP3, giving better sound quality at the same bit rate. It is the standard audio format for Apple Music, YouTube, iTunes downloads, most streaming video and Bluetooth audio on iPhones.
Example: Apple Music streams AAC at 256 kbps unless lossless is turned on.
AAC was standardized in 1997 as part of MPEG-2, with contributions from Fraunhofer, Dolby, AT&T, Sony and Nokia, and extended in MPEG-4. The iTunes Store sold AAC files from its 2003 launch. Variants include HE-AAC, which adds techniques for very low bit rates used in internet radio and DAB+ broadcasting. AAC audio usually sits inside MP4 or M4A files.
2. Augmentative and alternative communication
Medical · Rehabilitation Abbreviations
Methods that support or replace speech for people with severe communication impairments, ranging from picture boards and alphabet charts to speech-generating devices and eye-gaze computers.
Example: AAC eval: eye-gaze speech-generating device trial for ALS patient.
Users include people with ALS, cerebral palsy, autism, aphasia and those on ventilators. Medicare covers speech-generating devices as durable medical equipment when criteria are met. Speech-language pathologists match systems to each user's abilities.
Related abbreviations
More file format abbreviations
- 3GP – 3GPP file format
- 3MF – 3D Manufacturing Format
- 7z – 7-Zip archive
- AAB – Android App Bundle
- AI – Adobe Illustrator Artwork
- AIFF – Audio Interchange File Format
- ALAC – Apple Lossless Audio Codec
- AMR – Adaptive Multi-Rate
See all 125 file format abbreviations →
More rehabilitation abbreviations
- 10MWT – Ten-meter walk test
- 4WW – Four-wheeled walker
- 5xSTS – Five Times Sit to Stand Test
- 6MWT – Six-minute walk test
- AAROM – Active-assisted range of motion
- ABC – Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale
- AD – Assistive device
- ADL – Activities of daily living
See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.