murmur

murmur [mʉr′mər]

n.

[ME murmure < OFr < L, a murmur, roar, muttering < IE echoic base * mormor-, *murmur- > Sans marmara-, Gr mormurein]

1. a low, indistinct, continuous sound, as of a stream, far-off voices, etc.

2. a mumbled or muttered complaint

3. Med. any abnormal sound heard by auscultation, esp. of the heart

vi.

1. to make a murmur

2. to mumble or mutter a complaint

vt.

to say in a murmur

murmuration

n.

murmurer

n.

murmuring

adj.

SYN.- MURMUR implies a continuous flow of words or sounds in a low, indistinct voice and may apply to utterances of satisfaction or dissatisfaction [to murmur a prayer ]; MUTTER usually suggests angry or discontented words or sounds of this kind [to mutter curses ]; to MUMBLE is to utter almost inaudible or inarticulate sounds in low tones, with the mouth nearly closed [an old woman mumbling to herself ]