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:
“A: What is the meaning of life? B: I know, but I won’t tell you.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“To summarize the contentions of this paper then. Firstly, the phrase ‘the meaning of a word’ is a spurious phrase. Secondly and consequently, a re-examination is needed of phrases like the two which I discuss, ‘being a part of the meaning of’ and ‘having the same meaning.’ On these matters, dogmatists require prodding: although history indeed suggests that it may sometimes be better to let sleeping dogmatists lie.”
—J.L. (John Langshaw)
“Everywhere one seeks to produce meaning, to make the world signify, to render it visible. We are not, however, in danger of lacking meaning; quite the contrary, we are gorged with meaning and it is killing us.”
—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)