whir
Whir is a noun describing a low, continuous, rapidly repeating sound produced by mechanical devices in operation. It is often heard as a quiet but persistent hum or buzz, typically accompanied by the rapid motion of gears, turbines, or fans. The related verb whir (also spelled whirr) means to emit such a sound or to move with a rapid rotating motion, as in a computer fan whirring to life.
Etymology: The term is onomatopoeic, imitating the audible effect of rotating machinery. The spelling whirr is
Usage: Whir is used in technical descriptions to convey the auditory signature of devices in operation, for
Related terms: buzz, hum, murmur, sizzle. Onomatopoeia for machine sounds; this term sits within the broader