Clottering

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Producing a continual soft clattering or rattling sound as of loose objects striking each other
2. Creating a gentle rattling noise through repeated small impacts or movements of parts
3. Emitting a faint clattering or brushing sound caused by light collisions or vibrations

Etymology: "Clottering" is the present participle and gerund of "clotter," a verb formed from "clot." Here the usual sense of "clot" as a lump or mass has been left behind entirely. The verb describes a faint, scattered clatter or brushing sound, the kind made by small objects knocking gently together or by things being shaken about in a loose heap. The link to "clot" is a matter of shape rather than sound. A clot is a thickened, gathered mass, and "clotter" carries the idea of that mass breaking into many small, loosely connected bits that rattle and knock against one another. The sound is therefore built from the notion of things clumped together and jostling.

Synonyms: clattering