atelectasis

American  

[at-l-ek-tuh-sis] / ˌæt lˈɛk tə sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth, as from lack of breathing force.

2. collapse of the lungs, as from bronchial obstruction.

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atelectasis British  

/ ˌætəˈlɛktəsɪs /

noun

1. failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth

2. collapse of the lung or a part of the lung, usually caused by bronchial obstruction

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• atelectatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of atelectasis

1855–60; < New Latin; ateliosis + Greek éktasis a stretching out, equivalent to ek- ec- + ta-, variant stem of teínein to stretch + -sis -sis

Compare meaning

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• atelectasis vs. pneumonia