What term describes words that imitate the sound they denote, such as "hiss"?

The term that describes words that imitate the sound they denote, such as "hiss," is onomatopoeia. This literary device involves using words that phonetically mimic the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to, enhancing the sensory experience for the reader. For instance, "bang," "buzz," and "sizzle" are other examples of onomatopoeia, as they evoke specific sounds in the reader's mind.

Understanding the nature of onomatopoeia helps in recognizing how language can create vivid imagery and evoke emotions through sound. In contrast, metaphor and simile are figures of speech used for comparison, with metaphor directly stating one thing is another and simile using "like" or "as" to make comparisons. Alliteration, on the other hand, involves the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in a series of words rather than imitating sounds. Therefore, onomatopoeia is the most fitting choice for describing sound-imitating words.