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tic-tac

ticking (sound)

noun tik-TAK Rare
Time Time of Day

Usage Note

Tic-tac is an onomatopoeia for the rhythmic sound of a mechanical clock or metronome. It is invariable (no plural form is used in practice). The expression le tic-tac de l'horloge is a set phrase that evokes the passage of time in literature and film.

Examples

"On entend le tic-tac de l'horloge dans la pièce."

Natural Translation

You can hear the ticking of the clock in the room.

Literal Translation

One hears the ticking of the clock in the room.

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