Baryphonia

/ˌbæriˈfoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A medical condition where a person's voice becomes heavy, deep, or hoarse, often due to illness or strain on the vocal cords.

Etymology

From Greek 'barys' (heavy) + 'phone' (voice/sound). Medical terminology combining these roots to describe abnormal voice quality. Used primarily in medical literature.

Kelly Says

When your voice gets deep and rough during a cold, that's actually baryphonia at work—your inflamed vocal cords are literally getting heavier and vibrating differently, which is why you sound like a frog!

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