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soniferous

/səˈnɪfərəs/
IPA guide

Did you know that some fish, such as damselfish and Atlantic cod, are soniferous, meaning that they make sounds? Some other soniferous sea animals are dolphins, who whistle and click to communicate, and male humpback whales, who produce whale songs.

Lots of animals are soniferous: Insects like crickets and cicadas produce chirping or loud buzzing sounds. Frogs and toads croak, chirp, ribbit, and peep. Songbirds sing; cats meow; and elephants growl, snort, and trumpet. In fact, anything that makes or conducts sound can be described as soniferous, including inanimate objects, like musical instruments and sirens. The word soniferous comes from the Latin root sonus, meaning "sound," and the Latin suffix, -ferous, meaning "producing" or "bearing."

Definitions of soniferous
  1. adjective
    producing or transmitting sound
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