Describes a high-pitched, sharp scream or voice, likened to the sound of tearing silk. Often used with 声 or 悲鳴.
彼女は絹を裂くような悲鳴を上げた。
She let out a piercing scream.
絹を裂くような声が静寂を破った。
A shrill voice broke the silence.
A set phrase meaning 'like tearing silk', referring to the shrill sound produced when silk cloth is torn. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a conventional simile in Japanese.