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 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

Spasmodic dysphonia, or SD, can dramatically affect the lives of those who develop it, according to Dysphonia International, a nonprofit educational and support organization. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025

Muscle tension dysphonia is a change in the sound or feel of your voice due to excessive muscle tension in and around the voice box, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024

Kennedy has also previously suggested that his spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that can impact voice and speech, is a side effect of the flu vaccine. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 16 July 2024

Tragically, Linda Thompson can’t sing anymore due to a medical condition called spasmodic dysphonia. —Tribune News Service, New York Daily News, 1 July 2024

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

Medical Definition

dysphonia

noun

dys·​pho·​nia dis-ˈfō-nē-ə 

: defective use of the voice

dysphonic

-ˈfän-ik 

adjective