Which term describes a word that imitates the sound it represents?

The term that describes a word that imitates the sound it represents is onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia involves words that sound like what they mean, such as "buzz," "hiss," or "clang." These words create a direct auditory association with the actions or objects they refer to, enhancing the sensory experience in language.

For example, when one reads the word "bang," it conjures the sound of an explosion or loud noise, allowing readers to almost hear the sound as they visualize the scene. This device is frequently used in poetry, comics, and storytelling to create vivid imagery and engage the reader's senses more actively.

The other terms, while important in literary analysis, describe different stylistic devices. A simile compares two different things using "like" or "as," enhancing imagery through comparison. A metaphor also compares two different things but does so directly without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another to deepen meaning. Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, rather than imitating sounds. Each of these devices contributes to language in unique ways, but onomatopoeia specifically pertains to words that mimic sounds, making it the correct answer.