Which term refers to a word that imitates a sound?

The term that refers to a word that imitates a sound is "onomatopoeia." This concept is significant in language and literature as it enhances the auditory experience of the text, allowing readers to engage with the material in a more vivid way. Examples of onomatopoeia include words like "buzz," "sizzle," and "clang," which evoke the sounds they represent, thus creating a more immersive reading experience.

In contrast, a simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as," while a metaphor directly states that one thing is another, creating a symbolic representation without the use of comparative terms. Alliteration refers to the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words, which primarily focuses on the rhythm and sound of language rather than imitating specific sounds. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why onomatopoeia is uniquely associated with sound imitation.