Stridulous: meaning, definitions and examples
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stridulous
[ˈstrɪdʒ.ʊ.ləs ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the Latin word 'stridulus', meaning shrill or piercing.
- Related to 'stridere', a Latin verb that means to creak or screech, often associated with noises made by animals.
- The term came into use in English during the 19th century, primarily in descriptions of nature and sound.
Science
- Certain insects, like crickets and cicadas, produce stridulous sounds through a process called stridulation, which involves rubbing body parts together.
- In the animal kingdom, stridulous sounds can serve various purposes, such as attracting mates or warning others of danger.
- Some bird species, like the mockingbird, are capable of producing stridulous sounds, adding complexity to their calls.
Literature
- Stridulous descriptions often appear in poetry and literature to evoke feelings of discomfort or tension by highlighting sharp sounds.
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe have used stridulous elements to create a sense of eeriness in their works.
- The auditory imagery of stridulous sounds can enhance the emotional atmosphere in stories, making readers feel more engaged.
Cultural Significance
- In folklore, stridulous creatures such as banshees are associated with omens and foretellings due to their loud, eerie cries.
- Stridulous sounds in traditional music often denote celebratory or warning contexts, seen in various cultural rituals around the world.
- Stridulation in some cultures is viewed both positively, as a sign of life, and negatively, associated with pests or disruptions.
Psychology
- High-pitched, stridulous sounds can trigger stress responses in humans, linked to natural survival instincts.
- Research shows that certain stridulous noises can evoke nostalgia, reminding people of specific memories or experiences in nature.
- The human brain is particularly attuned to the sharpness of stridulous sounds, as they can indicate danger or alertness in the environment.