sonorous Meaning, Definition & Usage

So*no"rous adjective

Etymology

L. sonorus, fr. sonor, -oris, a sound, akin to sonus a sound. See Sound.

Definitions

1. Giving sound when struck; resonant; as, sonorous metals.
2. Loud-sounding; giving a clear or loud sound; as, a sonorous voice.
3. Yielding sound; characterized by sound; vocal; sonant; as, the vowels are sonorous.
4. Impressive in sound; high-sounding.

   The Italian opera, amidst all the meanness and familiarty of the thoughts, has something beautiful and sonorous in the expression. Addison.

   There is nothing of the artificial Johnsonian balance in his style. It is as often marked by a pregnant brevity as by a sonorous amplitude. E. Everett.

5. (Med.) Sonant; vibrant; hence, of sounds produced in a cavity, deep-toned; as, sonorous rhonchi. -- So*no"rous*ly, adv. -- So*no"rous*ness, n.