What term describes words that imitate sounds?

The term that describes words that imitate sounds is onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically mimic or resemble the sound they describe, such as "buzz," "sizzle," or "clang." This literary device enhances the sensory experience of a text by creating an auditory effect that complements the action or atmosphere being described.

In contrast, alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words in a sequence, contributing to rhythm and flow but not directly imitating sounds. Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words, also enhancing the musical quality of language but not mimicking specific sounds. Meter relates to the structured rhythm of a poem or piece of writing, focusing on the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables rather than sound imitation.