See Also: Sound(medicine)
sound(3)(dictionary)
sound(4)(dictionary)
sound(5)(dictionary)
sound(6)(dictionary)
sound(7)(dictionary)
sound(9)(dictionary)
sound(encyclopedia)
Sound, the(encyclopedia)
second sound(medicine)

sound(8) (iou)



sound verb2. LME.
[Old & mod. French sonder, corresp. to Spanish, Portuguese sondar use the sounding-lead from Proto-Romance, from Latin sub SUB- + unda wave.]
verb intrans. Sink in, penetrate. Only in LME.
verb trans. & intrans. Use a line and lead or (now usu.) an echo-sounder to test the depth or quality of the bottom of (the sea, a river, etc.); measure or examine (water). LME.
T. Mo Let us go to the bow and see the linesman sounding.
fig.
a. verb trans. Measure or test as by sounding. L16.
G. Greene There was a depth of bitterness..in Mrs Baines you couldn't sound.
b. verb intrans. Make an inquiry or investigation. L18.
verb trans.
a. Inquire (esp. cautiously or indirectly) into the opinions or feelings of (a person); examine or question in an indirect manner. Also foll. by out. L16.
J. Cary His real purpose was to sound the..governor about the political situation. P. Grosskurth To sound him out on Melanie's suggestion.
b. Investigate, attempt to find out (a matter, a person's views, etc.), esp. by cautious or indirect questioning. Also foll. by out. L16.
N. Symington He spoke to Brucke..to sound out whether there was any likelihood of promotion.
verb trans. Understand; fathom. L16-M17.
verb trans. Medicine. Orig., probe (a wound etc.). Now, examine (a body cavity, esp. the bladder) using a sound (SOUND noun4 3). L16.
verb intrans.
a. Of a sounding-lead: go down; touch bottom. E17.
b. Of a whale: go deep under water; dive. M19.