sound sound

sound ¹ (sound)

n.

1.

a. Vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing.

b. Transmitted vibrations of any frequency.

c. The sensation stimulated in the organs of hearing by such vibrations in the air or other medium.

d. Such sensations considered as a group.

2. A distinctive noise: a hollow sound.

3. The distance over which something can be heard: within sound of my voice.

4. Linguistics

a. An articulation made by the vocal apparatus: a vowel sound.

b. The distinctive character of such an articulation: The words bear and bare have the same sound.

5. A mental impression; an implication: didn't like the sound of the invitation.

6. Auditory material that is recorded, as for a movie.

7. Meaningless noise.

8. Music A distinctive style, as of an orchestra or a singer.

9. Archaic Rumor; report.

v. sound·ed, sound·ing, sounds

v.intr.

1.

a. To make or give forth a sound: The siren sounded.

b. To be given forth as a sound: The fanfare sounded.

2. To present a particular impression: That argument sounds reasonable.

v.tr.

1. To cause to give forth or produce a sound: sounded the gong.

2. To summon, announce, or signal by a sound: sound a warning.

3. Linguistics To articulate; pronounce: sound a vowel.

4. To make known; celebrate: "Nations unborn your mighty names shall sound" Alexander Pope.

5. To examine (a body organ or part) by causing to emit sound; auscultate.

Phrasal Verb:

sound off

1. To express one's views vigorously: was always sounding off about higher taxes.

2. To count cadence when marching in military formation.

---

[Middle English soun, from Old French son, from Latin sonus; see swen- in Indo-European roots.]

The Free Online Dictionary