rhonchus

noun

rhon·​chus ˈräŋ-kəs How to pronounce rhonchus (audio)
plural rhonchi ˈräŋ-ˌkī How to pronounce rhonchus (audio)
: a whistling or snoring sound heard on auscultation of the chest when the air channels are partly obstructed

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek, from rhenchein to snore, wheeze; probably akin to Old Irish sreinnid he snores

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhonchus was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near rhonchus

Cite this Entry

“Rhonchus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhonchus. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

rhonchus

noun
rhon·​chus ˈräŋ-kəs How to pronounce rhonchus (audio)
plural rhonchi ˈräŋ-ˌkī How to pronounce rhonchus (audio)
: a whistling or snoring sound heard on auscultation of the chest when the air channels are partly obstructed compare rale, rattle sense 2
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