Word
murmur
Phoneticsmur·mur, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɝmɝ/
UK/mˈɜːmɐ/
Definition
n. a soft, low sound made by many people at the same time. In medicine, it describes a specific sound heard in the heart or lungs that doctors use to diagnose problems.
n. a low, continuous sound produced by a group of people or by the movement of air through a passage. In a medical context, it refers to a specific type of sound heard during auscultation, such as a heart murmur or a lung murmur.
Examples
“The doctor listened for a heart murmur.”
“During the physical exam, the physician detected a faint murmur in the patient's lungs.”
“The presence of a systolic murmur can indicate a structural issue with the heart valves, requiring further diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the damage.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor listened for a heart murmur.”
contextual
“During the physical exam, the physician detected a faint murmur in the patient's lungs.”
complex
“The presence of a systolic murmur can indicate a structural issue with the heart valves, requiring further diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the damage.”
Real-World Examples
“Another girl nearby murmured, "You don't have to invite them if you don't want to." But we all knew that yes, yes she did.” “Pushing that first feeling away, you instead murmur: ‘It is indeed a most unfortunate review.’
And he replies: ‘I was so proud of it,’ before dissolving into tears again.” Etymology
From Middle English murmur, murmor, murmour, from Old French murmure (modern French murmure), from Latin murmur (“murmur, humming, muttering, roaring, growling, rushing etc.”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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