ping

(noun) a river in western Thailand; a major tributary of the Chao Phraya. Synonyms: Ping, Ping River.

(noun) a sharp high-pitched resonant sound (as of a sonar echo or a bullet striking metal).

(verb) hit with a pinging noise. Example: "The bugs pinged the lamp shade."

(verb) sound like a car engine that is firing too early. Synonyms: pink, knock. Examples: "The car pinged when i put in low-octane gasoline." "The car pinked when the ignition was too far retarded."

(verb) make a short high-pitched sound. Example: "The bullet pinged when they struck the car."

(verb) contact, usually in order to remind of something. Example: "I'll ping my accountant--april 15 is nearing."

(verb) send a message from one computer to another to check whether it is reachable and active. Example: "Ping your machine in the office."