Crossword Genius

It takes more than Neptunes spear to be loud and grating (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strident

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'loud and grating' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for strident that I've seen before include "Clamorous" , "harsh noise" , "(Of a voice) loud and grating" , "Loud and harsh over tridents" , "ear-piercing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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