apitos

Apitos is the plural form of apito in Spanish and Portuguese, meaning whistle. A whistle is a small device that produces sound when air is blown through or across an opening. In these languages, apito can refer to the object itself as well as the sound it makes, and the term is used in a variety of signaling contexts.

Most apitos are compact tubes with a mouthpiece and a chamber that directs air against a sharp edge or a small reed. Many traditional sports whistles contain a pea inside that vibrates to produce a sharp trill, increasing volume and audibility; pealess designs rely on the shape of the air channel to generate sound.

Types and variants: Pea whistles and pealess whistles are the main categories. Referee whistles are typically high-pitched and designed for quick, attention-grabbing signals, while musical or marching-band whistles emphasize different tonal qualities. Materials range from metal to plastic, and sizes vary from pocket-sized to larger alarms.

Uses: Apitos are widely used in sports officiating and coaching to signal starts, fouls, and ends of play; in public safety and law enforcement to command attention; by lifeguards and rescue teams; in boating and aviation signaling; and in traditional music contexts where a whistle serves as an instrument or cue.