The word "thumps" is spelled with the letter combination "th," which represents a voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/. The letter "u" represents a short vowel sound /ʌ/, and the letter combination "mp" represents a voiced bilabial stop /m/. Finally, the letter "s" represents a voiceless alveolar fricative sound /s/. Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription for "thumps" is /θʌmps/, indicating that the stress falls on the first syllable of the word.
Thumps, as a noun, refers to the sound or sensation of a heavy, rhythmic beating or pounding. It is commonly used to describe a loud, dull sound that is repetitive in nature. Thumps can be created by the impact of a heavy object or footstep, or by the beat of a musical rhythm. It is often associated with a deep, resonant sound that can be felt as vibrations in the body or flooring.
As a verb, thumps means to hit or strike something heavily and repeatedly. It can suggest a vigorous action of forcefully delivering blows or strikes in a rhythmic manner. Thumping can also describe a strong and steady pulsation, as in the beating of one's heart or a recurring sound in the environment.
In a figurative sense, the term "thumps" can be used to describe a feeling of anticipation or excitement. It conveys a sense of heightened expectation or a rapidly increasing rhythm. This usage is especially common in the context of music or dance, where the thumps reflect the liveliness or intensity of the performance.
Overall, thumps can refer to both the audible and physical aspects of a heavy, regular beating or striking motion, or it can denote a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Singultus, or hiccup in the horse.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thumps" originates from Middle English, derived from the Old English word "þumpian", which means "to strike with a heavy blow". It is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound made when something heavy hits a surface repeatedly. Over time, the word transformed into "thumps" to refer to the rhythmic pounding or thudding sound of a heart or a pulse. It is now commonly used to describe irregular, heavy beats or pounding sensations in the chest.