Used by healthcare professionals to describe abnormal sounds heard in the body.

Medical Term

Bruits can indicate normal blood flow or a medical condition; context is crucial.

Not Always Serious

When a doctor listens for a bruit, they use a stethoscope to pinpoint the specific area.

The verb form is more common in literary works and tends to convey intrigue or gossip.

Considered old-fashioned, 'bruit' as a verb is rarely used outside of the UK or historical contexts.

Use 'bruit' to imply the spreading of unconfirmed reports or rumors, rather than established facts.