Clatter

Overview of the term "Clatter"

For other uses, see Clatter (disambiguation).

Clatter refers to a continuous rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other. It is often associated with noise produced by machinery, tools, or other objects in motion. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a noisy or chaotic situation.

Etymology

The word "clatter" originates from the Old English word "clatrian," which means to make a loud noise. It is an example of onomatopoeia, where the word phonetically imitates the sound it describes.

Usage

Clatter is commonly used to describe various sounds in different contexts:

• In mechanics, clatter can refer to the noise produced by loose parts in a machine.
• In music, it can describe the sound of percussion instruments.
• In everyday life, clatter might refer to the noise of dishes in a kitchen or tools in a workshop.

Related Terms

• Rattle
• Clang
• Clink
• Noise pollution

Examples in Literature

Clatter has been used in various literary works to evoke a sense of noise and chaos. For instance, in Charles Dickens's novels, the term is often used to describe the bustling streets of London.

Related Pages

• Sound
• Noise
• Onomatopoeia
• Acoustics
• Noise pollution

See Also

• Rattle
• Clang
• Clink
• Noise pollution