The word "buzzer" has an interesting spelling that can be explained through its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This word is pronounced as /ˈbʌzər/, with a short "u" sound followed by the "z" sound and ending with the "er" sound. The "z" in "buzzer" is pronounced as a voiced consonant, which means that the vocal cords vibrate when making the sound. So, the spelling of "buzzer" reflects the sound pattern of the word accurately.
A buzzer is a small mechanical or electronic device that produces a buzzing sound when activated. It is typically designed to garner attention or indicate the completion of a task, and it is commonly utilized in various settings such as in alarm systems, games, and doorbells.
In its mechanical form, a buzzer typically consists of a metal plate or a metal disk mounted to a spring. When a current is applied, the plate is attracted to an electromagnet, causing it to vibrate rapidly and produce an audible buzzing sound. The duration and intensity of the sound can be adjusted by controlling the flow of electrical current.
Alternatively, electronic buzzers employ an integrated circuit (IC) to generate the buzzing sound. They often have a more compact size compared to their mechanical counterparts and can produce a variety of tones or melodies. Electronic buzzers are commonly found in household appliances, timers, and electronic devices where an audible alert or notification is required.
In popular culture, the term "buzzer" is frequently associated with game shows. A game show buzzer, also known as a "game buzzer," is a device used by contestants to signal their readiness to answer a question. These specially-designed buzzers often have a button that is pressed to activate a sound, ensuring a fair and orderly system for contestants to compete.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "buzzer" originated from the verb "buzz", which is an imitative word representing the sound of a continuous low-pitched humming or vibrating sound. The noun form "buzzer" was then coined to denote a device that emits a buzzing sound as a signal or a warning. The term is derived from the Middle English word "buisson" meaning a "constant humming or droning sound". It ultimately traces back to the Old French word "bouge", which means a bell-shaped musical instrument or a buzzing insect.