Droning: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'drān', which means a humming or buzzing sound.
• It’s related to the word 'drone', used to describe the male bee, which makes a similar continuous sound.
• In the 19th century, the use of 'droning' expanded to include dull or monotonous speech.

Science

• Droning sounds can be produced by certain machines, such as drones or motors, which operate at a consistent frequency.
• Research shows that constant droning sounds can lead to auditory adaptation, where people start to tune out the noise over time.
• Some animals, like certain species of frogs and insects, use droning calls to attract mates or establish territory.

Pop Culture

• The term 'droning' is often associated with certain music genres, especially those that utilize repetitive, ambient soundscapes.
• In literature and film, droning voices are often used to signify boredom or to convey that a speaker is not engaging the audience.
• Popular memes often use the concept of droning to describe tedious activities, like long lectures or meetings.

Psychology

• Monotonous droning can induce a trance-like state, making it easier for some people to concentrate or meditate.
• Overexposure to droning sounds in crowded places can lead to increased stress levels for some individuals.
• Psychologists note that droning noises can both soothe and irritate, depending on the listener’s mood and context.

Technology

• The rise of drones has popularized the word; these unmanned aerial vehicles can produce a droning sound during flight.
• Noise pollution from drones can be a concern in urban areas, causing disturbances that affect human and wildlife well-being.
• Efforts to reduce the droning noise of drones are ongoing, with new designs aimed at quieter operation.

At rank #28,711, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 28708 uncaring
• 28709 ornithology
• 28710 pillaging
• 28711 droning
• 28712 scrawl
• 28713 deadened
• 28714 invigorate
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