Meaning
Prior to the 18th century, singing was used in England as a form of applause. A 'hum' or 'humming' by humans is created by the resonance of air in various parts of passages in the head and throat, in the act of breathing. The 'hum' that a 'hummingbird' creates is also created by resonance: in this case by the passage of air against wings in the actions of flying, especially of hovering. The sound of a 'buzz' as in 'buzzing bees' is often regarded as a reference to a 'hum'. Again the reference is to resonance. Resonance is the prolongation, amplification or modification of a sound by vibration. Humming is indicative that a mechanical or electrical vibration is occurring. A vibration is an oscillation - a wavering or fluctuation - between two conditions or degrees.
Read more about this topic: Hum (sound)
Famous quotes containing the word meaning:
“God ... created a number of possibilities in case some of his prototypes failed—that is the meaning of evolution.”
—Graham Greene (1904–1991)
“Every generation rediscovers and re-evaluates the meaning of infancy and childhood.”
—Arnold Gesell (20th century)
“The meaning of the Street in all ways and at all times is the need for sharing life with others and the search for community.”
—Virginia Hamilton (b. 1936)