Definition

Noun (Medical term): A rattling or whistling respiratory sound, often likened to snoring or wheezing, that is heard through a stethoscope during expiration. It is caused by air passing through obstructed or fluid-filled airways.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in medical contexts to describe an abnormal lung sound heard during a physical examination. * The doctor detected a rhonchus in the patient's lower left lobe, suggesting a possible mucus plug. * The presence of bilateral rhonchi indicated widespread airway inflammation.

Advanced Usage

• The plural form is rhonchi (/ˈrɒŋkaɪ/).
• Rhonchi are typically classified as continuous adventitious lung sounds, differentiating them from discontinuous sounds like crackles.
• They are often described as low-pitched, sonorous (deep and snoring-like), or sibilant (higher-pitched and whistling).

Variants and Related Words

• Rhonchal (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling a rhonchus.
  • The nurse documented rhonchal fremitus.
• Wheeze (noun/verb): A related but distinct high-pitched whistling sound, often heard during both inspiration and expiration, typically associated with narrowed airways (e.g., in asthma). Rhonchi are generally lower-pitched.

Synonyms

• Rattle (informal/non-medical)
• Sonorous wheeze
• Low-pitched wheeze

Antonyms

• Vesicular breath sounds (normal, soft lung sounds)
• Clear lungs (a clinical finding indicating no abnormal sounds)

Noun

1. a sound like whistling or snoring that is heard with a stethoscope during expiration as air passes through obstructed channels