Definition

A noticeable vibration that can be felt on the body, especially on the chest, when a person coughs or speaks.

Example

The doctor checked for fremitus by placing his hand on the patient's chest while she spoke.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the fremitus when someone speaks nearby?

Yeah, it's interesting how you can feel those vibrations.

Right? It’s like a subtle reminder of how sound travels through our bodies.

Exactly! I think it's pretty cool how our bodies work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fremitus is derived from the Latin word "fremere" (meaning to roar or to murmur). The suffix "-itus" is a common Latin ending used to form nouns, often indicating a condition or state. Thus, fremitus refers to a state or condition of murmuring or vibration, particularly in a medical context where it describes the palpable vibration of the chest wall during speech or breathing.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for 'murmur' or 'roar' — that's what fremitus refers to, a condition of vibration or sound in the body.

Visually Confused Words