- the formation of a word, as cuckoo, meow, honk, or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.
- a word so formed.
- the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical, dramatic, or poetic effect.
- the formation of words whose sound is imitative of the sound of the noise or action designated, such as hiss, buzz, and bang
- the use of such words for poetic or rhetorical effect
