shrill
1. shrill \'shril, esp South 'sril\ vb [ME shrillen] : to utter or emit an
acute, piercing sound : SCREAM
2. shrill \'s(h)ril-le-\ aj 1a: having or emitting a sharp high-pitched
tone or sound : PIERCING)M 1b: accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or
cries 2: having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses {~ light} 3:
INTEMPERATE, EXTRAVAGANT {~ anger} - shrill av
3. shrill n : a shrill sound
Webster's English Dictionary