plangent

[ plan-juhnt ]

adjective

1. resounding loudly, especially with a plaintive sound, as a bell.

plangent

/ ˈplændʒənt /

adjective

1. having a loud deep sound
2. resonant and mournful in sound

Derived Forms

• ˈplangency, noun
• ˈplangently, adverb

Other Words From

• plangen·cy noun
• plangent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of plangent¹

1815–25; < Latin plangent- (stem of plangēns ), present participle of plangere to beat, lament. See plain ², -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of plangent¹

C19: from Latin plangere to beat (esp the breast, in grief); see plain ²

Example Sentences

It seemed as large as the shell of a cathedral, and for organ there was the plangent, echoing sound of sea waves.

From Project Gutenberg

The plangent roar of the city was painful to his ears, which had always been attuned to the deep silences of forest and lake.

From Project Gutenberg

But I am not plangent—one must take the thick with the thin—and I have such possibilities of another and better sort before me.

From Project Gutenberg

The plangent power and deep earnestness of the words were even more applicable now than then.

From Project Gutenberg

From his stivy cellar he issues forth into the plashing, plangent currents of city life.

From Project Gutenberg