Zizzes

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. To make a buzzing or hissing sound like a small insect or electrical device ; to move swiftly and lightly with a vibrating or humming noise ; to produce a repeated soft sound resembling a quick, low-pitched buzz
2. To emit a high-pitched continuous sound similar to that of a bee or a mechanical device ; to dart or glide rapidly with a faint humming or vibrating effect ; to generate a steady low-level noise indicating movement or activity
3. To create a sharp vibrating or buzzing noise commonly associated with insects or electronic equipment ; to zip or whiz through the air quickly while making a humming or buzzing sound ; to emit a repeated soft buzzing sound indicative of motion or electrical charge

Etymology: "Zizzes" is simply the third-person singular and plural form of "zizz," a word built on sound rather than inheritance. Its origin is imitative: the noun "zizz" was first used for the sound of snoring, and it is closely related to "zzz," the comic written representation of a sleeper's breathing. The verb sense of buzzing or humming came from the same imitative impulse, so the word began as a snore and only later took on the whine of insects and electrical devices.

Synonyms: sleeps, naps, dozes, rests, slumbers

Antonyms: wakes, rises, arises, awakens, stays awake