Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Strident \Stri"dent\, a. [L. stridens, -entis, p. pr. of
   stridere to make a grating or creaking noise.]
   Characterized by harshness; grating; shrill. ``A strident
   voice.'' --Thackeray.

Source : WordNet®

strident
     adj 1: conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement
            outcry; "blatant radios"; "a clamorous uproar";
            "strident demands"; "a vociferous mob" [syn: {blatant},
             {clamant}, {clamorous}, {vociferous}]
     2: unpleasantly loud and harsh [syn: {raucous}]