noise

noise [noiz]

n.

[ME < OFr, noise, quarreling, clamor < L nausea: see NAUSEA]

1.

a) loud or confused shouting; din of voices; clamor

b) any loud, discordant, or disagreeable sound or sounds

2. a sound of any kind [the noise of the rain]

3. Informal

a) gossip; rumor; scandal

b) a protest or accusation

c) something that draws public notice

4. Electronics any unwanted electrical signal, esp. within a communication system, that interferes with the sound or image being communicated

vt.

noised, noising

to spread about (a report, rumor, etc.): usually with about, around, abroad, etc.

vi.

Now Rare

1. to talk much or loudly

2. to make noise or a noise

SYN.- NOISE is the general word for any loud, unmusical, or disagreeable sound; DIN refers to a loud, prolonged, deafening sound, painful to the ears [the din of the steeple bells ]; UPROAR applies to a loud, confused sound, as of shouting, laughing, etc., and connotes commotion or disturbance [his remarks threw the audience into an uproar]; CLAMOR suggests loud, continued, excited shouting, as in protest or demand [the clamor of an aroused people ]; HUBBUB implies the confused mingling of many voices [the hubbub of a subway station ]; RACKET¹ refers to a loud, clattering combination of noises regarded as annoyingly excessive [he couldn't work for the racket next door ] -ANT. QUIET