murmur

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
  2. noun a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
  3. noun an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves

Etymology

From Middle English murmur, murmor, murmour, from Old French murmure (modern French murmure), from Latin murmur (“murmur, humming, muttering, roaring, growling, rushing etc.”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

mutter, muttering, murmuring, murmuration, mussitation

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