online medical dictionary | definition of groan

1. To give forth a low, moaning sound in breathing; to utter a groan, as in pain, in sorrow, or in derision; to moan. "For we . . . Do groan, being burdened." (2 Cor. V. 4) "He heard the groaning of the oak." (Sir W. Scott)

2. To strive after earnestly, as with groans. "Nothing but holy, pure, and clear, Or that which groaneth to be so." (Herbert)

Origin: OE. Gronen, granen, granien, AS. Grnian, fr. The root of grennian to grin. 35. See 2d Grin, and cf. Grunt.

(01 Mar 1998)