dysphonia

noun

dys·​pho·​nia dis-ˈfō-nē-ə 

: defective use of the voice

Examples of dysphonia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spasmodic dysphonia, now referred to as laryngeal dystonia, is a rare neurological condition affecting the vocal cords. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Jan. 2025

There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but there are treatments available. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025

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

Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic neurological voice disorder that causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the larynx (voice box), leading to interruptions in speech. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

That's the result of a rare neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, which has afflicted Kennedy for decades. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025

Here’s what to know about how common spasmodic dysphonia is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 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

Rhymes for dysphonia

• aphonia
• chelonia
• cladonia
• colonia
• dystonia
• harmonia
• koinonia
• oogonia
• polonia
• sinfonia
• zirconia
• catatonia

Medical Definition

dysphonia

noun

dys·​pho·​nia dis-ˈfō-nē-ə 

: defective use of the voice

dysphonic

-ˈfän-ik 

adjective