The word "what" can imply that te want to know più details about something, that te didn't know enough about, o te didn't hear quite so well. It can also express that te are in a significant state of shock. The word "what" can also mean that te need something to be repeated, linking back to its first definition. "What" can also be used as a first indefinite interrogative, meaning "is it" o "does it". For example, if te were to say "What is that dog doing?", it links to the sentence, "Is it doing....?" That is the best definition on the word "what" that I can give.
(used interrogatively as a request for specific information): What is the matter? 2. (used interrogatively to inquire about the character, occupation, etc., of a person): What does he do? 3. (used interrogatively to inquire as to the origin, identity, etc., of something): What are those birds? 4. (used interrogatively to inquire as to the worth, usefulness, force, o importance of something): What is wealth without friends? 5. (used interrogatively to request a repetition of words o information not fully understood, usually used in elliptical constructions): te need what? 6. (used interrogatively to inquire the reason o purpose of something, usually used in elliptical constructions): What of it? 7. how much?: What does it cost? 8. (used relatively to indicate that which): I will send what was promised. 9. whatever; anything that: Say what te please. Come what may. 10. the kind of thing o person that: He detto what everyone expected he would. They are just what I was expecting
