sound
sound (so̵und)
noun
- vibrations in air, water, etc. that stimulate the auditory nerves and produce the sensation of hearing: although the speed of sound varies considerably, the standard is c. 331 meters per second (c. 740 mph), which is the speed in dry air at STP
- the auditory sensation produced by such vibrations
- any auditory effect that is distinctive or characteristic of its source; identifiable noise, tone, vocal utterance, etc. the sound of a violin, a speech sound
- such effects as transmitted by or recorded for radio, TV, films, or on phonograph records
- the volume or quality of transmitted or recorded sound
- the distance within which a given sound may be heard; earshot within sound of the bells
- the mental impression produced by the way something is worded; tenor; drift the sound of his report
- meaningless noise; racket
- Archaic
- report; rumor
- meaning; significance
Etymology: < ME soun (+ unhistoric -d) < OFr son < L sonus < IE *swonos, a sound, noise < base *swen-, to sound > OE swinsian, to sing, make music
intransitive verb
- to make a sound or sounds
- to have a particular tone or quality of sound your voice sounds hoarse
- to seem, from the sound or manner of utterance to sound troubled
- to seem to be or appear to be, based on information one has heard their plan sounds crazy
Etymology: ME sounen < OFr soner < L sonare
transitive verb
- to cause to sound to sound a gong
- to produce the sound of to sound a C on a piano
- to utter distinctly; articulate to sound one's r's
- to express, signal, indicate, or announce the clock sounds the hour
- to make widely known; proclaim to sound someone's praises
- to examine (the chest) by auscultation or percussion
sound off
- ☆
- to speak in turn, as in counting off for a military formation
- to count cadence in marching
- ☆ Slang
- to give voice freely to opinions, complaints, etc.
- to speak in a loud or offensive way, as in boasting
sound (so̵und)
adjective
- free from defect, damage, or decay; whole and in good condition sound timber
- normal and healthy; not weak, diseased, or impaired a sound body and mind
- firm and safe; stable; secure a sound alliance
- safe and secure financially a sound bank
- based on truth or valid reasoning; accurate, reliable, judicious, sensible, etc. sound advice
- agreeing with established views or beliefs; not heterodox sound doctrine
- thorough, solid, substantial, forceful, etc. a sound defeat
- deep and undisturbed: said of sleep
- morally strong; honest, honorable, loyal, etc.
- legally valid a sound title to a property
Etymology: ME < OE (ge)sund, akin to Dan sund, Ger (ge)sund < Gmc *swintha-, strong > OE swith
adverb
sound (so̵und)
noun
- a wide channel or strait linking two large bodies of water or separating an island from the mainland
- a long inlet or arm of the sea
- the swim bladder of certain fishes
Etymology: ME < OE sund, a swimming, water, strait & ON sund, both < base *swem- > swim
sound (so̵und)
transitive verb
- to measure the depth or various depths of (water or a body of water), esp. with a weighted line
- to measure (depth) in this way
- to investigate or examine (the bottom of the sea, etc.) with a weighted line that brings up adhering particles
- to probe (the atmosphere or space) so as to gain data
- to investigate, examine, or try to find out (a person's opinions)
- to try to find out the opinions or feelings of (a person), as by roundabout questioning: often with out
- Med. to examine with a sound, or probe
Etymology: ME sounden < MFr sonder < VL subundare, to submerge < L sub, under + unda, a wave: see water
intransitive verb
- to sound water or a body of water
- to dive suddenly downward through the water: said esp. of whales or large fish
- to try to find out something, as by roundabout questioning
noun
Sound (so̵und)
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