clang

Meanings

Noun

• A loud, ringing sound, like that made by free-hanging metal objects striking each other.
• Quality of tone.
• The cry of some birds, including the crane and the goose.
• A word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.
• Alternative of klang

Verb

• To strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.
• To give out a clang; to resound.

Origin

• 1570, of imitative origin; Compare also Saterland Frisian Kloang, West Frisian klank, Dutch klank, German Klang (from klingen), Danish and Swedish klang, Latin clangere.