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Webster 1913 Edition


Stentorian

Sten-to′ri-an

,
Adj.
[L.
stentoreus
; cf. Gr. [GREEK].]
Of or pertaining to a stentor; extremely loud; powerful;
as, a
stentorian
voice;
stentorian
lungs
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Stentorian

STENTORIAN

,
Adj.
[from Stentor.]
1.
Extremely loud; as a stentorian voice.
2.
Able to utter a very loud sound; as stentorian lungs.

Definition 2024


stentorian

stentorian

English

Adjective

stentorian (comparative more stentorian, superlative most stentorian)

  1. (of a voice) Loud, powerful, booming, suitable for giving speeches to large crowds.
    • 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot Chapter VIII
      There seemed no one to dispute his claims when he said, or rather shouted, in stentorian tones: "I am Tsa. This is my she. Who wishes her more than Tsa?"
    • 1922: James Joyce, Ulysses,
      The Irish Caruso-Garibaldi was in superlative form and his stentorian notes were heard to the greatest advantage in the time-honoured anthem sung as only our citizen can sing it.
    • 1938: William Faulkner, The Unvanquished,
      Giving us a last embracing and comprehensive glance he drew it, already pivoting Jupiter on the tight snaffle; his hair tossed beneath the cocked hat, the sabre flashed and glinted; he cried, not loud yet stentorian: "Trot! Canter! Charge!"
  2. (by extension) Stern, authoritarian; demanding of respect.

Translations