stri·dor \ˈstrīdə(r)\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin, from stridere, stridēre to make a harsh noise 1.: a harsh, shrill, or creaking noise < the pine grove, where … the boughs made a stridor — R.P.Warren > 2.: a harsh vibrating sound during expiration in cases of obstruction or spasm of the air passages < laryngeal stridor >