Stridulous: meaning, definitions and examples
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stridulous
[ ˈstrɪdʒ.ʊ.ləs ]
sound description
Stridulous describes a harsh, shrill, or grating sound. This term is often used to refer to noises that are piercing and unpleasant to the ears.
Synonyms
grating, piercing, rasping, shrill.
Examples of usage
- The stridulous cries of the cicadas filled the summer air.
- She attempted to speak, but her stridulous voice cut through the silence.
- The stridulous whistle of the train could be heard from miles away.
Etymology
The word 'stridulous' originates from the Latin word 'stridulus,' which means 'making a noise' or 'shrill.' This in turn comes from 'stridere,' meaning 'to creak,' 'to screech,' or 'to make noise.' First used in the English language in the 17th century, the term has retained its connotation of producing unpleasant, high-pitched sounds. Over time, while it has remained somewhat niche in everyday language, 'stridulous' is still employed in literary and descriptive contexts, particularly in poetry and nature writing, to evoke vivid auditory imagery. Its infrequent use in modern discourse adds a layer of sophistication when referring to particularly unpleasant sounds.