psithurism

noun. rare

ˈpsɪθjʊərɪz(ə)m

irreg. for psithyrism, ad. Gr. ψιθύρισµα or ψιθυρισµός, f. ψιθυρίζ-ειν to whisper.

  1. The sound of the wind in the trees.
  2. Whispering; a whispering noise, as of leaves moved by the wind.

1872—M. Collins, Pr. Clarice II. xix. 218:
“Psithurism of multitudinous leaves made ghostly music.”

1875—Blacksmith & Scholar (1876) II. 12:
“The wind wooed them with a whispering psithurism.”