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

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Ahead of his confirmation hearing, articles about the sound of his voice and his spasmodic dysphonia have been in the news. — Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Abductor spasmodic dysphonia, which is less common, causes the vocal cords to suddenly open. — Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for dysphonia

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dysphonia

Cite this Entry

“Dysphonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphonia. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

dysphonia

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dysphonia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dysphonia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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