(~s)
1.
The ~ of a bell or a horn is the act of causing it to make a sound.
There were 15 minutes between the first air raid alert and the ~ of the all-clear signal.
N-SING: the N of n
2.
If you take ~s, you try to find out people’s opinions on a subject.
She will take ~s of the people’s wishes before deciding on a course of action.
N-COUNT: usu pl