rattle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
  2. noun a baby's toy that makes percussive noises when shaken
  3. noun loosely connected horny sections at the end of a rattlesnake's tail

Etymology

From Middle English ratelen, of uncertain origin; perhaps borrowed from Middle Dutch ratelen or of native origin related to Old English hratele, hrætele (“a plant known for its rustling or rattling sound”), ultimately imitative. The noun (c. 1500) is from the verb.

In classic literature

Synonyms

rattling, rale

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