BOURDONNEMENT Meaning and
Definition
-
Bourdonnement is a French noun that possesses multiple definitions and can be interpreted in different contexts. It primarily refers to an incessant and continuous buzzing or humming sound. Commonly associated with insects such as bees or flies, bourdonnement highlights the repetitive nature of these noises. It can also be used to describe a monotonous sound produced by machinery or electronic devices, emphasizing a constant and monotonous drone. Furthermore, bourdonnement can be employed in a metaphorical sense to denote a persistent background noise or a low-level continuous activity that occurs in any environment or situation.
In the realm of music, bourdonnement takes a specific connotation as a musical term. It signposts the utilization of a drone, a sustained and unchanging tone, usually produced by a single instrument. The bourdonnement contributes to establishing a specific tonal or harmonic foundation in various musical compositions, particularly those attributed to medieval and Renaissance periods. The use of bourdonnement in this musical context aims to create the effect of consistency, stability, and grounding within the overall musical structure.
Overall, bourdonnement epitomizes the concept of a continuous, ongoing, and constant sound, irrespective of the specific domain in which it is employed, whether in reference to natural sounds, artificial noises, or as a musical technique.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BOURDONNEMENT
- bourdonnemeot
- bourdonnemen4
- bourdonnemend
- bourdonnemenp
- bourdonnemenv
- bourdonnemenu
- bourdewnnement
- bourduennement
- b ourdonnement
- bo urdonnement
- bou rdonnement
- bour donnement
- bourd onnement
- bourdo nnement
- bourdon nement
- bourdonn ement
- bourdonne ment
- bourdonnem ent
- bourdonneme nt
- bourdonnemen t
Etymology of BOURDONNEMENT
The word "bourdonnement" is derived from the Old French term "burdonnement", which was formed from the verb "burdonner". This verb comes from the noun "burdon" meaning "drone" or "buzz". Ultimately, "burdon" has its origin in the Latin word "burdo", which refers to the sound of a drone or a humming noise. The addition of the suffix "-ement" in French signifies an action or state, thus giving us the word "bourdonnement" to describe the act of buzzing or humming.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
