zoonhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoon_int%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoon, int.
Revised 2017

zooninterjection

Chiefly U.S. Now historical and rare.
  1. 1863–
    Representing a buzzing, humming, or droning sound.
    1. 1863
      All at once ‘twang-twang’ goes a harp; ‘zoon-zoon’ goes a bass violin.
      Once a Week 25 July 126/1
    2. 1897
      Nick listened a moment, but heard only the clamor of voices inside, and the zoon, zoon, zoon of the viol.
      J. Bennett, Master Skylark xx. 174
    3. 1911
      Zoon—Zoon—Zoon! O Lord! listen to that shell.
      M. Johnston, Long Roll xv. 197
    4. 1978
      The old man [sc. Uncle Remus] is disconcerted..by streetcars that go ‘zoon’.
      R. B. Bickley, Joel Chandler Harris iii. 88

Originally published as part of the entry for zoon, v.

zoon, int. was revised in June 2017.

zoon, int. was last modified in July 2023.