murmur

1. 1

   Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.countableuncountable

   • 1979: A translation of the Eclogues by Paul Alpers The windy murmur of the breeze subsides.
2. 2

   Soft indistinct speech.countableuncountable

   • A murmur arose from the audience.
3. 3

   The sound made by any condition which produces a noisy, or turbulent, flow of blood through the heart.countableuncountable

   • Since aortic diastolic pressure is higher than pulmonary artery systolic pressure, there is continuous flow into the pulmonary circulation, creating the characteristic continuous ("machinery") murmur, heard best just below the left clavicle
4. 4

   A muttered complaint or protest; the expression of dissatisfaction in a low muttering voice; any expression of complaint or discontent.countableuncountable

   • In fear of disease and in the interest of his health man will be muzzled and masked like a vicious dog, and that without any murmur of complaint.

syn. murmur · murmuration · susurration · susurrus

ant. din · silence

1. 1

   To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something.archaicintransitive

   • The Iewes then murmured at him because he sayde: I am that breed which is come doune from heaven.
   • And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.
2. 2

   To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.intransitive

   • I couldn't hear the words; he just murmured a lot.
   • The bees murmured in the forest. The waves murmured on the shore.
3. 3

   To say (something) indistinctly, to mutter.transitive

   • I […] heard thee murmur tales of iron wars;
   • Gabriel murmured a confused reply, and hastened on.