The word "borborygmus" refers to the rumbling sound that comes from the movement of gas and liquid in the intestines. Despite its complex spelling, the word is actually quite easy to pronounce once you break it down phonetically. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation is /bɔrbəˈrɪɡməs/. This breaks down to bawr-buh-rig-muhs. Next time you hear your stomach rumbling, you'll know there's a specific word to describe it!
Borborygmus is a noun that refers to a rumbling or gurgling noise caused by the movement of gas within the intestines. This term is derived from the Greek word "borborygmos," which imitates the sound of a noisy stomach. Borborygmus is a normal physiological process that occurs as a result of the movement of food, liquid, and gas through the digestive system.
When the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract contract and relax to propel food, digest it, and absorb nutrients, it creates waves of movement known as peristalsis. These rhythmic contractions also facilitate the movement of gas, leading to the characteristic borborygmus sound. Borborygmus can be more prominent when the stomach and intestines are empty or when a person has increased gas production due to the consumption of certain types of food or gastrointestinal disorders.
While borborygmus alone is usually not a cause for concern, excessive or persistent rumbling sounds accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel movements may indicate an underlying digestive issue. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or gastroenteritis can all contribute to increased borborygmus. In medical settings, healthcare professionals may listen for these sounds using a stethoscope during physical examinations to assess gastrointestinal motility and identify potential abnormalities or disorders.
The occurring of noises-rumbling, gurgling, etc.-in the stomach or intestine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The gurgling noise produced by the movement of wind in the intestines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "borborygmus" originated from the Greek term "borborygmós", which was derived from the verb "borboryzein". In Greek, "borboryzein" meant "to rumble" or "to gurgle". This term was used to depict the growling or rumbling sounds produced by the stomach or intestines due to the movement of gas and fluids. The word eventually made its way into medical terminology, referring to these specific abdominal noises.