susurrous (2009-08-06)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: [sê-'su-rês]

Definition: Pertaining to a susurrus (whispering sound), having or similar to whispering or rustling sounds.

Usage: In a recent word of the day, we mentioned the "susurrous Susquehanna," an apt epithet for that or any other noisy stream. It obviously associates well with voices, "Lila's susurrous voice drove all men mad—some with lust, others with disgust." But then leaves become susurrous when the wind rakes them in the fall and the susurrous stockings on women walking speak to some men, while others prefer the susurrous banter of a steak on the grill.

Suggested Usage: Most languages have an onomatopoeic word for "whisper" since it is a prominent sound. The Latin word has more whispering sounds [s] than our native Germanic "whisper" and, perhaps, conveys the sense better as a result. If you don't like "susurrous" you may also use "susurrant" as the adjective. The verb is susurrate "make a whispering, rustling sound" with its own family: "susurration," "susurrating," "susurrational," etc.

Etymology: From Latin susurrus "whisper;" onomatopoeic, that is, a sound imitation.