siren — a loud warning device that makes a wailing sound
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a loud warning device that makes a wailing sound
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsaɪrən/
Example Sentences
- The fire truck's siren was so loud that even my deaf grandmother heard it.
- The siren song of social media distracted him from studying.
- When the tornado siren went off, everyone ran to the basement like caffeinated squirrels.
siren
NOUN[/ˈsaɪrən/]
a loud warning device that makes a wailing sound
a loud warning device that makes a wailing sound
The iron Byron statue hears the siren!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Siren derives from Greek mythology, specifically from the Greek word 'seirēn' (Σειρήν), referring to a half-woman, half-bird creature whose enchanting songs lured sailors to their doom. The term was later metaphorically applied to any alluring or dangerous sound, eventually becoming the modern word for a warning device that produces a loud, penetrating alarm.
Breakdown
Seirēn (Greek: Σειρήν) is the root, literally meaning 'sea creature' or 'enticing being' in ancient Greek mythology. The modern application reflects a semantic shift from the mythical creature's dangerous song to any mechanical device producing a similar compelling auditory signal.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The fire truck's siren was so loud that even my deaf grandmother heard it.”
“The siren song of social media distracted him from studying.”
“When the tornado siren went off, everyone ran to the basement like caffeinated squirrels.”
“The company ignored the siren call of easy profits and focused on quality.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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