Definition

A sound that is like a crackling or grating noise, often heard when two broken pieces rub against each other or when air is pressed in certain tissues.

Example

The doctor noted the crepitation in the patient's lungs during the examination.

Conversation

Did you hear that strange crepitation when we were hiking yesterday?

Yeah, it sounded like something was cracking, didn't it?

I wonder if it was just the branches or something more unusual.

Could be! Nature always has its mysterious sounds.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Crepitation is formed from "crepitare" (meaning to rattle or crackle) and the suffix "-ion" (indicating an action or process). The word describes the action or process of making a rattling or crackling sound.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'crepitare' which means to rattle — this helps you remember that 'crepitation' refers to the action of making a rattling sound.

Visually Confused Words