Crackled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crackled
[ˈkrækəld ]
Definition
sound description
Crackled refers to the series of sharp, quick sounds produced by something breaking or being heated. This word is often used to describe the sound of fire, static, or even certain types of food when cooked. The term evokes a vivid auditory image that enhances the understanding of the action being described. For example, one might say that fire crackled as it burned, indicating a lively and energetic activity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The campfire crackled warmly in the night.
- She could hear the bacon crackling in the pan.
- The radio crackled with static before the signal cleared.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The crackling sound is often produced when water bubbles in hot substances split and release steam.
- In cooking, crackling can occur when fat from meat crisps and pops due to moisture evaporating.
- Electrical crackling happens when there is a sudden discharge of electricity, creating a sound as the air becomes ionized.
Pop Culture
- In movies, crackling sounds are used to create tension, such as during scenes involving fires or electrical surges.
- Famous characters in animation, like those in classic cartoons, often create exaggerated crackling sounds for comedic effects.
- The 'crackle' often accompanies the sound of change, like when television screens 'crackle' back to life.
Literature
- Many poets use crackling imagery to evoke a feeling of excitement or danger within their work.
- In literature, crackling noises often signify magical or supernatural events, adding to the atmosphere.
- The use of crackling as a descriptor adds vivid sensory detail, bringing scenes to life for readers.
Psychology
- Certain sounds, like crackling, can trigger memories associated with warmth and comfort, such as a fireplace.
- Hearing crackling noises impacts mood, often associated with anticipation or suspense in various environments.
- Studies show that people are more alert to sharp, crackling sounds due to evolutionary responses to potential danger.
Origin of 'crackled'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'craklen', which means to make a sharp noise.
- Related to the word 'crack', emphasizing the sound associated with breaking or popping.
- The '-led' ending suggests a past action, like something has already made that sound.
The word 'crackled' is derived from the English verb 'crackle,' which has its roots in the Middle English term 'craklen,' meaning to make a sharp noise or to break. This term is likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound it describes. Over time, 'crackle' has evolved in usage to encompass a range of sounds that are sharp and abrupt, particularly in the context of fire or heat. The past tense form 'crackled' has been used since the 15th century to describe sounds associated with breaking or popping, establishing it as a vivid descriptor in English literature and everyday conversation.