Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - white noise

 noun  Date: 1943  1.  a. a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range — compare pink noise  b. a constant background noise; especially one that drowns out other sounds  2. meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter the ~ of policy and politics in America — Joseph Nocera WHITE OAK  noun  Date: 1634 any of various oaks (especially Quercus alba of eastern North America) with acorns that mature in one year and leaf veins that never extend beyond the margin of the leaf; also its hard strong durable wood