Pronunciation: [kɹˈə͡ʊks] (IPA) 
Croaks is spelled with the letters C-R-O-A-K-S and is pronounced /kroʊks/. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by the diphthong "oa" pronounced as "oh-uh," and ending with the voiceless "k" sound represented by the letter "s." Croaks is the third person singular present tense verb form of the word croak, which means to make a deep, harsh sound resembling that of a frog or raven.
The term "croaks" is mainly used as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "croak." The word "croak" has multiple meanings and can be understood in various contexts.
Firstly, "croak" is often associated with the deep, harsh sound made by frogs, particularly in their mating season or when they feel threatened. It is a distinctive, guttural noise produced by expelling air from the throat. In this sense, "croaks" refers to the action of producing such sounds.
"Croak" can also be used metaphorically to describe a human voice or sound that resembles the croak of a frog. It typically implies a hoarse and rough vocalization that lacks smoothness or clarity. For instance, someone who is sick or has strained their vocal cords might speak in a croak.
Moreover, "croak" is occasionally used in a figurative sense to mean dying or expiring. It metaphorically relates the sound of a frog's croak to the last gasp or death rattle of a living organism. In this context, "croaks" indicates the final moments or the act of passing away.
Overall, "croaks" refers to the sounds produced by frogs, rough or hoarse human voices, or the act of expiring. The term encompasses both literal and figurative implications, providing a diverse range of connotations depending on its usage in different contexts.
The word "croaks" is derived from the Middle English noun "crok", which originally referred to the cry of a raven or a similar bird. The term has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in Old High German and Old Norse. Over time, the word evolved into the verb "croak", which means to emit a deep, hoarse sound, similar to the cry of a frog or raven. Thus, "croaks" is the plural form of this verb, indicating multiple instances of making such a sound.
