sound1
n.
- vibrations which travel through the air or another medium and are sensed by the ear.
▸a thing that can be heard.
▸the area within which something can be heard.
-
(also musical sound)
sound produced by continuous and regular vibrations, as opposed to noise.
- music, speech, and sound effects accompanying a film or broadcast.
▸radio broadcasting as distinct from television.
- an idea or impression conveyed by words.
v.
- emit or cause to emit sound.
▸utter.
- convey a specified impression when heard.
-
(sound off)
express one's opinions loudly or forcefully.
- test (the lungs or another body cavity) by noting the sound they produce.
Derivative
- soundless adj.
- soundlessly adv.
- soundlessness n.
Etymology
ME soun, from Anglo-Norman Fr. soun (n.), suner (v.), from L. sonus.
sound2
adj.
- in good condition.
▸financially secure.
▸Brit. informal excellent.
- based on reason or judgement.
▸competent or reliable.
- (of sleep) deep and unbroken.
- severe:
a sound thrashing.
adv.
soundly.
Derivative
- soundly adv.
- soundness n.
Etymology
ME: from OE gesund, of W. Gmc origin.
sound3
v.
- ascertain (the depth of water in the sea, a lake, etc.) by means of a line or pole or using sound echoes.
▸find the depth of water in (a ship's hold).
- Medicine examine (the bladder or other internal cavity) with a long surgical probe.
-
(sound someone out)
question someone discreetly or cautiously.
- (especially of a whale) dive steeply to a great depth.
n.
a long surgical probe, typically with a curved, blunt end.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. sonder, based on L. sub- ‘below’ + unda ‘wave’.
sound4
n.
a narrow stretch of water forming an inlet or connecting two larger bodies of water.
Etymology
ME: from ON sund ‘swimming, strait’; rel. to swim.