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Clank vs Clang - What's the difference?

clank | clang |

In intransitive terms the difference between clank and clang

is that clank is to make a clanking sound while clang is to give out a clang; to resound.

In transitive terms the difference between clank and clang

is that clank is to cause to sound with a clank while clang is to strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.

clank

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A loud, hard sound of metal hitting metal.

    • Derived terms

    * clankless * clanky

    Usage notes

    * Clank'' usually expresses a duller or less resounding sound than ''clang'', and a deeper and stronger sound than ''clink .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make a clanking sound
    • The chains clanked .
  • To cause to sound with a clank.
    • The prisoners clank their chains.

    clang

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A loud, ringing sound, like that made by free-hanging metal objects striking each other.
  • Quality of tone.
  • The cry of some birds, including the crane and the goose.
  • (psychology, psychiatry) A word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.
  • * Oliver Sacks, Awakenings
    • For much of this day, Mrs Y. wrote in her diary, covering page after page in a rapid scrawl full of paligraphic repetitions, puns, clangs, and violent, perseverative crossings-out

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.
  • * Prior
    • The fierce Caretes clanged their sounding arms.
  • To give out a clang; to resound.
  • * 1933 , Norvell Page, Wings of the Black Death
    • A cell door clanged metallically and Wentworth was flung inside. He tripped, collapsed upon the concrete floor.
  • * 1920 , Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence Chapter XXIX
    • The clanging and groaning of the train came nearer, and it staggered slowly into the station like a prey- laden monster into its lair.
  • * 1917 , Rose Wilder Lane, Henry Ford’s Own Story
    • Then the sparks flew from the anvil while the great hammer clanged on the metal, shaping it, and Henry begged to be allowed to try it