a heart *murmur that is loudest in diastole and associated with a third heart sound. It is a sign of *aortic regurgitation, which allows retrograde filling and rapid rise in left intraventricular pressure. This prevents the mitral valve from opening fully, giving rise to the murmur, which is best heard in the mitral area (apex) rather than the aortic area (where the problem lies). [Austin Flint (1812–86), US physician]
The uneven, rustling sound heard by AUSCULTATION over the HEART and various blood vessels in abnormal conditons. For example, murmurs heard when the stethoscope is applied over the heart are highly characteristic of valvular disease of this organ.... murmur
(friction rub) a scratching sound, heard over the heart with the aid of the stethoscope, in patients who have *pericarditis. It results from the two inflamed layers of the pericardium rubbing together during activity of the heart.... friction murmur