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A.Word.A.Day--onomatopoeia Pronunciation: WAV or RealAudio onomatopoeia (on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-uh) noun The formation or use of words such as buzz or murmur that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. [Late Latin, from Greek onomatopoiia, from onomatopoios, coiner of names : onoma, onomat-, name + poiein, to make.] "I couldn't say the `f' word for a while. I would explain the situation and not say the word. It is one of those words that sounds like what it is. I think that is called onomatopoeia. Fired is a harsh cutting word." Linney, Barbara J., Rising from the ashes: the aftermath of being fired. Physician Executive, 1 Mar 1996. Why doesn't onomatopoeia sound the way it is? This week's theme: What would you ask words if you could speak with them? X-Bonus The past exists only in our memories, the future only in our plans. The present is our only reality. -Robert Pirsig

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