A scientiquestion!

[desperance]

Can I reasonably describe sound as atmospheric pressure-waves? [There's a bit in one of the early Lensman books where our hero - presumably a Kinnison - is on Rigel VII (or whichever the number is) and being assaulted by roadside advertising; I cannot now remember whether the assault is visual or auditory, but he is forced to explain to his host that his species is unusually sensitive to atmospheric vibrations. And the Rigellian is duly baffled, and says, "Atmospheric vibrations? Atmospheric vibrations? Atmospheric vibrations?" - which I have always loved, and am trying not to steal at this point.]