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Clank: meaning, definitions and examples

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clank

 

[ klæŋk ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

sound making

To clank means to make a loud, sharp sound or noise, often resembling the noise produced by metal objects striking each other. This sound is typically associated with heavy machinery, chains, or other metallic materials coming into contact.

Synonyms

bang, clang, clatter

Examples of usage

  • The chains clank as the truck moves.
  • He heard the clank of the metal door closing.
  • She dropped the keys, causing them to clank against the floor.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A clank is a sharp, metallic sound produced when two metal objects strike each other. This noise often indicates movement or disturbance in machines or mechanical systems.

Synonyms

clang, clatter, rap

Examples of usage

  • With a loud clank, the machinery stopped.
  • The clank of the metal pipes echoed through the room.
  • I could hear the clank from the neighboring workshop.

Translations

Translations of the word "clank" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clangor

🇮🇳 धातु की आवाज़

🇩🇪 Klang

🇮🇩 bunyi logam

🇺🇦 дзвін

🇵🇱 dźwięk

🇯🇵 金属音

🇫🇷 bruit

🇪🇸 sonido

🇹🇷 ses

🇰🇷 소리

🇸🇦 صوت

🇨🇿 zvuk

🇸🇰 zvuk

🇨🇳 金属声

🇸🇮 zvok

🇮🇸 hljóð

🇰🇿 дыбыс

🇬🇪 ხმის

🇦🇿 səs

🇲🇽 sonido

Etymology

The word 'clank' originates from the mid-18th century, likely derived from the sound associated with clanging or clattering metal objects. It is believed to be imitative in nature, designed to replicate the auditory experience of the sharp metallic noise itself. The roots can be traced back to earlier forms of English and possibly related to similar sounding words in the Germanic languages. As technology advanced and metal objects became more prevalent in everyday life, the term 'clank' became more widely used to describe the distinct sounds produced by machinery, tools, and everyday items in industrial and domestic contexts. Over time, 'clank' has maintained its association with metallic sounds and continues to be used in various settings, from describing the sounds of construction sites to identifying specific noises in more abstract artistic expressions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,850 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.