Pronunciation: [stɹˈɪdjʊləs] (IPA) 
Stridulous is spelled with a "str-" at the beginning, followed by "-id-" and then "-ulous" at the end. This word means producing a harsh, shrill, or creaking sound when breathing or speaking, and its phonetic transcription is /ˈstrɪdʒələs/. The "str-" sound is pronounced as "st-," while the "id-" is pronounced similarly to "id" in "kid." The ending "-ulous" is pronounced as "yoo-luhs" with a stress on the second syllable.
Stridulous is an adjective that describes a sharp, high-pitched sound that is often produced during breathing. It specifically refers to the characteristic noise made by individuals who are suffering from an obstruction in their airway, typically caused by inflammation, constriction, or abnormal growths. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in relation to respiratory issues and conditions affecting the throat, larynx, or trachea.
The term "stridulous" can also be applied to sounds resembling the noise produced by a person with an obstructed airway. This includes sounds made by certain animals or objects. For example, the hissing sound a disturbed snake may create can be described as stridulous. Additionally, inanimate objects such as doors or hinges that emit a high-pitched noise when opening or closing can also be referred to as stridulous.
In a broader sense, "stridulous" can be used metaphorically to describe any sound or noise that is harsh, grating, or cacophonous to the ears. It implies a certain unpleasantness or discomfort associated with the sound, often conveying a sense of irritation or annoyance.
Overall, the term "stridulous" is primarily used in the medical field to describe abnormal sounds produced during breathing due to airway obstruction, but it can also be applied to various other contexts to describe harsh, high-pitched sounds.
Having a shrill or creaking sound.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Making a small harsh noise; hissing; creaking.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "stridulous" is derived from the Latin word "strīdulus", which means "screeching" or "shrill". It comes from the verb "strīdēre", which means "to creak" or "to make a harsh sound". The Latin root "strīd" is also found in other related words like "stridor" (a harsh or grating noise) and "strident" (having a loud, harsh, and grating sound).
