Derived from Greek borborygmos, which in turn is derived from borboryzein: to rumble.

Plural of borborygmus. It is an audible rumbling sound from the abdomen of an active, noisy gut that is churning gas and fluid around. Not to be confused with belching, burping, flatulence (flatus) or normal bowel sounds (normal bowel sounds are audible through a stethoscope).

They may be normal or abnormal, depending on the presence of any other concomitant symptoms or signs. Usually not a cause for concern unless there is clinical suspicion of some sort of intestinal obstruction.