drone etymology

Etymology:

The word "drone" has several possible origins:

• Old English: "drān" (male bee)
• Old Norse: "dróni" (idler, sluggard)
• French: "drone" (male bee)
• Dutch: "dronk" (drunkard)

Meaning:

A drone can refer to several different things:

1. Male bee: A male honeybee that lacks a stinger and does not participate in foraging or defending the hive. Its primary function is to mate with the queen.
2. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): A remotely controlled aircraft that can fly autonomously.
3. Drone music: A genre of electronic music characterized by long, sustained tones and a minimalist, hypnotic sound.
4. Idler: A person who avoids work or responsibility.
5. Continuously running sound: A low, humming noise that persists over time.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the word "drone" in reference to a male bee dates back to the 13th century. The term "unmanned aerial vehicle" was first used in the early 20th century, while "drone music" emerged in the 1960s. The use of "drone" to describe an idler or a continuous sound is also centuries old.

drone relate terms

• threnody

  Etymology Greek θρῆνος thrēnos wailing Proto Indo European tʰren to c

• monotone

  Etymology Mono Greek single Tone Greek sound Meaning Monotone Havin

• trailer

  Etymology The word trailer originated from the Middle English word trailler meanin

• poke

  Etymology The word poke is derived from the Middle English word poken which means t

• burden

  Etymology The word burden comes from the Old English word byrðen meaning load or

• loll

  Etymology Loll is derived from the Middle English word lollen which means to loung

• boom

  Etymology The word boom has several etymological origins Middle Dutch bom meani

• wasp

  Etymology The word wasp has its origins in Old English where it was known as wæps o

• mouth

  Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

• speak

  Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

• modulation

  Etymology From the Latin word modulatio meaning a melodious modulation which is d