dysphonia

noun

dys·​pho·​nia dis-ˈfō-nē-ə How to pronounce dysphonia (audio)
: defective use of the voice

Examples of dysphonia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her voice tilts and crashes on different syllables before lifting up again, marked by the spasmodic dysphonia that accompanies a flare of multiple sclerosis. Fortesa Latifi, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2023 Kennedy said he was diagnosed in his 40s with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition affecting the voice box that causes strained speech. Abc News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2023 An open books of sorts, Twain, 57, has spoken at length about several health issues that threatened to detail her career over the years, including battles with Lyme disease and dysphonia. Mark Gray, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2023 Her singing voice - which she's had to regain and retune from the damaging effects of dysphonia, the result of Lyme disease - is improving. Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2023 Kennedy has spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that affects his speech. Rachel Looker, USA TODAY, 29 June 2023 The diagnosis is muscular tension dysphonia, a vocal cousin of the yips, the twisties and other such sudden inexplicable crises that can render a seasoned athlete unable to perform. Carlo Rotella, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2023 The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia isn't totally understood. Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 27 Feb. 2019 Twain revealed in 2011 that she was diagnosed with dysphonia, a disorder of the vocal chords characterized by hoarseness and difficulty speaking—part of the reason for her silence these past 15 years. Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, 16 Feb. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dysphonia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dysphōnia, probably from dys- dys- + -phōnia (in euphōnia euphony)

Note: Alternatively, the New Latin word could be borrowed from Greek dysphōnía "roughness of sound."

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysphonia was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near dysphonia

dysphemism

dysphonia

dysphoria

Cite this Entry

“Dysphonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphonia. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

dysphonia

noun
dys·​pho·​nia dis-ˈfō-nē-ə How to pronounce dysphonia (audio)
: defective use of the voice
dysphonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dysphonia

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