Keening

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Adjective 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun

English

Adjective

keening

1. Sharp, shrill, especially of a sound.

   The keening sound of a dentist's drill sets my teeth on edge, and I'm a dentist.

Etymology

From Irish Caoineadh meaning lament.

Noun

keening

1. Exaggerated moanful wailing at a funeral or wake
2. (by extension) An unpleasant sound.