Which term describes a word that sounds like the meaning it conveys?

The term that describes a word that sounds like the meaning it conveys is onomatopoeia. This literary device refers to words that phonetically imitate the sound they describe. For example, words such as "buzz," "clang," and "sizzle" evoke the actual sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. Onomatopoeia enhances the imagery in writing by allowing readers to hear, in their minds, the sounds that are being represented, thereby creating a more vivid and immersive experience.

In contrast, a pun involves a play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect, but does not focus directly on imitative sounds. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as," which does not relate to sound imitation. Jargon refers to specialized terms used within a particular profession or group, serving a different purpose in communication than sound representation. Thus, onomatopoeia is the most appropriate term to describe words that mimic the sounds associated with their meanings.