Clang

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /klæŋ/

Definitions

1. A piercing sound that occurs when metal objects collide violently A distinct resonating tone produced by the impact of solid surfaces An abrupt and ringing noise resulting from the contact of hard materials
2. A sharp, resonant noise created when metal surfaces strike each other forcefully
3. A clear, vibrant ringing produced by the collision of metal objects

Etymology: Clang is one of those words whose sound seems to be its own explanation: it imitates the noise of hard metal striking metal. English first recorded it in 1570, and its origin is onomatopoeic, meaning it was formed to echo the sound rather than inherited from an older word. The same sound-based pattern shows up across the North Sea region. Dutch has "klank," German has "Klang" (from the verb "klingen," to ring), and Danish and Swedish have "klang," all carrying a similar ringing or resonating sense. Latin "clangere," meaning "to resound," probably helped shape the English word as well. Its presence in the mix is a reminder that imitative words in different languages often converge on similar consonants, such as the hard "kl" opening that suggests a sharp, reverberating noise.

Synonyms: clash, ring, clatter

Antonyms: silence, hush