soniferous

American  

[suh-nif-er-uhs, soh-] / səˈnɪf ər əs, soʊ- /

adjective

1. conveying or producing sound.

---

soniferous British  

/ sɒˈnɪfərəs /

adjective

1. carrying or producing sound

---

Etymology

Origin of soniferous

First recorded in 1705–15; soni- + -ferous

Explanation

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."

Example Sentences

“They do not really care about soniferous fish or invertebrates.”

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2020

And it was made before general acceptance of the division of the ether into soniferous, luminiferous and tangiferous.

From Ancient and Modern Physics by Willson, Thomas E.