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rale

(Science: medicine) An adventitious sound, usually of morbid origin, accompanying the normal respiratory sounds. See rhonchus.

Various kinds are distinguished by pathologists; differing in intensity, as loud and small; in quality, as moist, dry, clicking, and sonorous; and in origin, as tracheal, pulmonary, and pleural.

Origin: F. Rale. Cf. Rail the bird.