sound Definition

sound¹
noun

1. physics.
Periodic vibrations that are propagated through a medium, eg air, as pressure waves, so that the medium is displaced from its equilibrium state.
2. The noise that is heard as a result of such periodic vibrations.

Thesaurus: resonance, reverberation, intonation.
3. Audible quality.

Example: The guitar has a nice sound
Thesaurus: noise, din, racket.
4. The mental impression created by something heard.

Example: don't like the sound of that
5. Aural material, eg spoken commentary and music, accompanying a film or broadcast.

Example: sound editor
6. colloq
Volume or volume control, especially on a television set.
7. colloq
Music, especially pop music.
Example: the sounds of the 60s
Form: sounds (also)

verb sounded, sounding

tr & intr
1. To produce or cause to produce a sound.

Example: The bugle sounded as the emperor approached
Thesaurus: vibrate, echo, resound, reverberate, murmur, blare, thunder, hum, quaver.
intr
2. To create an impression in the mind.

Example: sounds like fun
3. To pronounce.

Example: doesn't sound his h's
4. To announce or signal with a sound.

Example: sound the alarm
5. medicine.
To examine by tapping or listening. See also sound³ verb 2.

Etymology: 13c: from French soner, from Latin sonare, from sonus sound.

Phrasal Verb: sound off

To state one's opinions, complaints, etc forcefully or angrily.
Example: Harry's sounding off about animal rights again

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sound²
adj

1. Not damaged or injured; in good condition; healthy.

Example: The kitten was found safe and sound
Thesaurus: healthy, hearty, well, robust, fit, vigorous, hale; firm, solid, stable, sturdy.
2a. Sensible; well-founded; reliable;

Example: sound advice
Example: a sound investment
Thesaurus: sensible, reasonable, rational, prudent, judicious, wise, level-headed, logical; dependable, loyal, true, faithful, reliable, trustworthy, responsible, reputable.
2b. Said of an argument, opinion, etc: well researched or thought through, logical and convincing.
3. Acceptable or approved of.

Thesaurus: sanctioned, established, allowed, proper, well-founded, fair, valid, legal, correct, orthodox.
4. Severe, hard or thorough.

Example: a sound spanking
5. Said of sleep: deep and undisturbed.

adverb

1. Deeply.

Example: sound asleep

Derivative: soundly
adverb

Derivative: soundness
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon gesund.

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sound³
verb, tr & intr

1. To measure the depth of (especially the sea).
2. medicine.
To examine (a hollow organ, etc) with a probe. See also sound¹ verb 5.

noun

1. A probe for examining hollow organs.

Etymology: 14c: from French sonder.

Phrasal Verb: sound someone or something out

To try to discover or to make a preliminary assessment of (opinions, intentions, etc).

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sound⁴
noun

1. A narrow passage of water that connects two large bodies of water or that separates an island and the mainland; a strait.

Thesaurus: bay, strait, channel, estuary, fjord, inlet, canal.
2. The swim-bladder of certain fish, such as the cod or sturgeon.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon sund.