Whirring: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English 'wirren', meaning to make a low, continuous sound.
• It is related to the Old English term 'wyrgan', which means to twist or twirl.
• The sound associated with 'whirring' is often linked to various machines and engines, emphasizing movement.

Technology

• Many modern appliances, like blenders and vacuum cleaners, operate with a whirring sound due to their high-speed motors.
• In computing, the whirring noise from hard drives indicates data reading and writing processes.
• Drones make a distinct whirring sound when they fly, making it a key characteristic in identifying them.

Nature

• Hummingbirds are known for their rapid wing beats, which produce a whirring noise, allowing them to hover in place.
• Certain insects, like bees, also create a whirring sound while flying, contributing to the sounds of a summer garden.
• The whirring of wind in trees can be soothing, evoking a sense of nature’s movement.

Literature

• The whirring sound often appears in narratives to symbolize machinery, progress, or even tension, setting a dynamic pace.
• Authors use auditory imagery, like whirring, to enhance the atmosphere in stories, making scenes more vivid.
• In poetry, the sound can evoke feelings of excitement, anticipation, or the relentless passage of time.

Psychology

• Sounds like whirring can evoke varying emotional responses; while some find it soothing, others may feel irritated.
• The whirring of machines can impact concentration levels, with some people using white noise for better focus while working.
• In therapeutic settings, the soothing whir of fans or gentle machines can help create a calm environment.

At rank #27,394, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27391 installer
• 27392 inconsistently
• 27393 undervalue
• 27394 whirring
• 27395 bullish
• 27396 cataclysm
• 27397 transom
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