Bruit de diable, which translates to "devil's noise," is a French expression often used to describe a loud or unpleasant sound. The spelling of this phrase includes a few tricky phonemes for English speakers. "Bruit" is pronounced [bʁɥit], with the R being a voiced uvular fricative and the U being a rounded high back tense vowel. "De" is pronounced [də], with a schwa sound for the first E. "Diable" is pronounced [djabl], with the J being pronounced like the English "j" and the I being a high front tense vowel.
"Bruit de diable" is a French term that translates to "noise of the devil" in English. It is commonly used to describe a loud and disturbing sound that is similar to a cacophony or uproar. The phrase has its origins in historical folklore and medieval legends.
In medieval times, "bruit de diable" was believed to be an eerie and sinister noise that was associated with supernatural entities or demonic activities. It was often thought to be a warning sign of impending danger or evil presence. The exact nature of the sound was often described as a combination of various discordant noises, including howling wind, thunder, screams, or the rattling of chains.
Today, the term "bruit de diable" is used more metaphorically to describe any noise or disturbance that is exceptionally loud, disrupting, or irritating. It can refer to a cacophony of different sounds, like a chaotic and unorganized burst of noise that is unpleasant to the ear. This can include a loud uproar in a crowded place, the clamor of machinery, or even the blaring sirens of emergency vehicles.
Overall, "bruit de diable" captures the sense of a disturbing, disruptive, and potentially ominous noise that can evoke a feeling of fear or unease in those who encounter it.
A buzzing or humming hemic murmur.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.