cystic fibrosis

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a hereditary chronic disease of the exocrine glands, characterized by the production of viscid mucus that obstructs the pancreatic ducts and bronchi, leading to infection and fibrosis.

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cystic fibrosis British  

noun

1. an inheritable disease of the exocrine glands, controlled by a recessive gene: affected children inherit defective alleles from both parents. It is characterized by chronic infection of the respiratory tract and by pancreatic insufficiency

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cystic fibrosis Scientific  

/ sĭs′tĭkfī-brō′sĭs /

1. An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands, usually developing during early childhood and affecting mainly the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. It is marked by the production of abnormally thick mucus by the affected glands, usually resulting in chronic respiratory infections and impaired pancreatic function.

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cystic fibrosis Cultural  

1. A congenital and chronic disease that affects certain glands in the body, particularly the sweat glands, the pancreas, and the glands in the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Cystic fibrosis causes recurring respiratory disorders (see respiration) and interferes with the production of enzymes by the pancreas.

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Etymology

Origin of cystic fibrosis

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“It’s true that there’s a blockade against Cuba, but something good has to come out of all this,” said Iraida Ávila, who lives on the outskirts of Havana with her daughter, who has cystic fibrosis.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Some inherited diseases, including cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and Tay Sachs disease, involve multiple genetic mutations within a person's DNA.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2025

We expect the company’s launch of Alyftrek in cystic fibrosis will do well over time.

From Barron's • Sep. 26, 2025

Making life even harder for Yvonne was medical research that found cystic fibrosis patients should be kept away from each other.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

For cystic fibrosis patients, cross-infection from certain bacteria strains is a huge risk.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott