1. an abnormal rattling sound heard when examining unhealthy lungs with a stethoscope
Usage: medical

Examples

• The doctor detected a rale in the patient’s left lung.
• Fine rales can indicate fluid in the alveoli.
• The nurse noted coarse rales during the respiratory assessment.
• Rales are often heard in patients with pneumonia.
• The physician listened carefully for any rales or wheezes.
• Wet rales suggest the presence of fluid in the airways.