Hoars

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Producing a rough, harsh, or grating sound typically due to strained or damaged vocal cords; having a rasping or coarse vocal quality often caused by illness or overuse; describing a voice that is low-pitched and unpleasantly rough
2. Exhibiting a voice characterized by roughness or huskiness often resulting from irritation or infection; sounding strained or uneven in tone as if the vocal cords are impaired; indicating a vocal condition marked by a scratchy or breathy quality
3. Having a coarse or scratchy vocal expression commonly linked to throat issues; showing signs of a strained or damaged voice producing uneven or gravelly sounds; referring to speech that is rough and markedly less clear than usual

Etymology: Spelled "hoars," this is the plural of "hoar," meaning frost or grey hair, and that is the sense the word's history follows. The sense "raspy from illness" belongs to "hoarse," a separate word, so a reader looking for that meaning should check "hoarse" instead. "Hoar" comes from Middle English "hor" and Old English "hār," meaning grey, hoary, or old. Its ancient root meant grey or dusky, and the same root gave German "hehr," meaning noble or sublime, and "Herr," meaning sir or gentleman. Greyness once signalled age and dignity, and that association carried over into words for lordship.

Synonyms: hoarse

Antonyms: clear, smooth, melodious, pleasant