Purring: meaning, definitions and examples

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purring

 

[หˆpษœหrษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Purring is a low, continuous, vibrating sound made by cats and some other animals. It typically occurs when the animal is content, relaxed, or seeking attention. The sound is produced by the rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles within the larynx during both inhalation and exhalation. While commonly associated with domestic cats, other felines and even some other species can display this behavior. Purring can also serve as a form of communication between the animal and its owner, indicating comfort or a desire for affection.

Synonyms

buzz, drone, hum.

Examples of usage

  • The cat was purring softly on my lap.
  • She loved to hear her kitten purring after a meal.
  • When my cat is purring, I know she feels safe.
  • The sound of purring calms me down.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'purr' comes from the Old French 'purre', reflecting a soft sound made by small animals.
  • First recorded use of 'purring' in English dates back to the 16th century, showing its long-standing association with contentment in cats.

Science

  • Cats can produce purring sounds both during inhalation and exhalation, making their rhythm unique.
  • Research suggests that the frequency of a cat's purr (between 25 Hz and 150 Hz) may promote healing and reduce pain.

Behavior

  • A cat may purr not only when happy but also when frightened or in pain, using it as a self-soothing mechanism.
  • Kittens begin to purr at around 3 to 4 days old, which helps them communicate with their mother and promote bonding.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the sound of purring is associated with relaxation, comfort, and companionship.
  • Various pet therapy programs utilize the calming sound of purring to help reduce anxiety in humans.

Pop Culture

  • Cats have been featured in countless films, books, and cartoons, often portraying them as self-sufficient and soothing companions.
  • Famous cats like Garfield and Puss in Boots showcase purring as a sign of comfort and charm, highlighting its cultural significance.

Translations

Translations of the word "purring" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ronronar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเค‚เคœเคจ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schnurren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mendengkur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผัƒั€ะบะพั‚ั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mruczenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ดใƒญใ‚ดใƒญใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ronronnement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ronroneo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mฤฑrlama

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐธ๋ฅด๋ฆ‰๊ฑฐ๋ฆฌ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุฑุฎุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mruฤenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mruฤenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘ผๅ™œๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mrmranje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ murr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผั‹ัั‹า›ั‚ั‹าฃ ะผัƒั€ั‡ะฐะฟ ะดั‹ะฑั‹ัั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒ แƒขแƒฃแƒฆแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mฤฑrฤฑltฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ronroneo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,221, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.