n. & v.
--n.
1. a subdued continuous sound, as made by waves, a brook, etc.
2 a softly spoken or nearly inarticulate utterance.
3 Med. a recurring sound heard in the auscultation of the heart and usu. indicating abnormality.
4 a subdued expression of discontent.
--v.
1. intr. make a subdued continuous sound.
2 tr. utter (words) in a low voice.
3 intr. (usu. foll. by at, against) complain in low tones, grumble.
Derivatives:
murmurer n. murmuringly adv. murmurous adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF murmurer f. L murmurare: cf. Gk mormuro (of water) roar, Skr. marmaras noisy