onomatopoeic word
Linguistic term for words that imitate sounds, such as animal cries or natural noises. Often contrasted with 擬態語 (mimetic words for states or manners).
"Wan-wan" is an onomatopoeic word that represents a dog's bark.
Japanese has many onomatopoeic and mimetic words.
Compound of 擬 (gi, 'imitate') + 音 (on, 'sound') + 語 (go, 'word'). A modern linguistic term.