1. the act of listening to sounds within the body (such as the heart, lungs, or abdomen) using a stethoscope to diagnose medical conditions
Usage: medical term; commonly used in clinical practice

Examples

• The doctor performed auscultation to check the patient's heart rate and rhythm.
• During auscultation, the physician detected an irregular heartbeat.
• Auscultation of the lungs revealed crackling sounds that suggested pneumonia.
• The nurse used a stethoscope for auscultation of the abdomen.
• Auscultation is a key part of the physical examination in medical practice.