Definition of whizz

The word "whizz" has its roots in the Middle English dialect "whis," which meant "move quickly or suddenly" (according to the Oxford English Dictionary). This usage was also documented in the late 13th century in the form "whisynge," meaning "noisy or unsettled movements." The initial "w-" sound of the word "whizz" is thought to have developed from an Old English metathesis of the "s-" sound into the "w-" sound (as similar changes were seen in words such as "water" becoming "waeter"). The meaning of the word shifted over time to refer specifically to the sound of something moving rapidly, such as a bullet or train. The use of "whizz" in this way first appeared in the late 17th century in English literature, as seen in a 1692 poem by John Dryden in which he refers to the "whizzing rage" of a horse racing along a track. In scientific contexts, the term "whizz" has also been used to describe the excretion of ammonia by human or animal bodies, particularly in the early 20th century. This usage, however, faded in popularity over time and is no longer commonly employed. Overall, the origin of the word "whizz" can be traced back to the Middle English concept of "speedy" or "sudden" movement, which has been adapted and influenced by various dialects and language changes over the centuries.