Gravelly

/ˈɡrævəli/ adjective

Definition

Covered with, containing, or resembling gravel; also can describe a rough, harsh voice or sound.

Etymology

From gravel + -y (adjective suffix). The voice meaning likely developed metaphorically from the rough, gritty texture of actual gravel.

Kelly Says

That gravelly voice you hear in old blues singers or smokers? It's literally describing vocal cords that have become rough and abraded, producing a texture similar to gravel—a perfect example of how body changes create linguistic descriptions.

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