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.
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