Ster-tō'ri-oŭs or Stēr'to-roŭs, a.

a. [Fr. stertoreux, from Lat. stertēre, to snore.] Characterized by a deep snoring, which accompanies inspiration in some diseases, especially apoplexy; hence, hoarsely breathing; snoring. “With burning, stertorous breath that hurt her cheek.” Browning.

The day has ebbed away, and it is night in his room, before his stertorous breathing lulls. Dickens.