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sound⁴

(sound)

v. sound·ed, sound·ing, sounds

v.tr.

1. To measure the depth of (water), especially by means of a weighted line; fathom.

2. To try to learn the attitudes or opinions of: sounded out her feelings.

3. To probe (a body cavity) with a sound.

v.intr.

1. To measure depth.

2. To dive swiftly downward. Used of a marine mammal or a fish.

3. To look into a possibility; investigate.

An instrument used to examine or explore body cavities, as for foreign bodies or other abnormalities, or to dilate strictures in them.

[Middle English sounden, from Old French sonder, from sonde, sounding line, probably of Germanic origin.]

sounda·ble adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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