hiss

Definition

A sibilant sound, such as that made by a snake or escaping steam; an unvoiced fricative.

Etymology

From Middle English hissen, probably of onomatopoeic origin (compare Arabic هَسْهَسَ (hashasa)). Compare Middle Dutch hissen, hisschen (“to chase away, shoo”), Middle Low German hissen (“to chase, hound, incite”).

Example Sentences

• "Their music frightful as the serpent’s hiss, And boding screech-owls make the concert full!"
• "[…] over head the dismal hiss Of fiery Darts in flaming volies flew,"
• "A hundred Reeds, of a prodigious Growth, Scarce made a Pipe, proportion’d to his Mouth: Which, when he gave it Wind, the Rocks around, And watry Plains, the dreadful Hiss resound."