lung

American  

[luhng] / lʌŋ /

noun

1. either of the two saclike respiratory organs in the thorax of humans and the higher vertebrates.

2. an analogous organ in certain invertebrates, as arachnids or terrestrial gastropods.

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idioms

1. at the top of one's lungs, as loudly as possible; with full voice.

   The baby cried at the top of his lungs.

lung British  

/ lʌŋ /

noun

1. either one of a pair of spongy saclike respiratory organs within the thorax of higher vertebrates, which oxygenate the blood and remove its carbon dioxide

2. any similar or analogous organ in other vertebrates or in invertebrates

3. in one's loudest voice; yelling

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lung Scientific  

/ lŭng /

1. Either of two spongy organs in the chest of air-breathing vertebrate animals that serve as the organs of gas exchange. Blood flowing through the lungs picks up oxygen from inhaled air and releases carbon dioxide, which is exhaled. Air enters and leaves the lungs through the bronchial tubes.

2. A similar organ found in some invertebrates.

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lung More Idioms  

1. see at the top of one's lungs.

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Other Word Forms

• half-lunged adjective
• lunged adjective

Etymology

Origin of lung

before 1000; Middle English lungen, Old English; cognate with German Lunge; akin to light ², lights

Example Sentences

She is attached to an oxygen cylinder at all times, waiting for a double lung transplant.

From BBC

While Darren developed scarring on his lungs and eventually left his job in the police, Gabby became increasingly poorly and was diagnosed with long Covid.

From BBC

Gould said fossil fuel emissions are associated with various cancers, an increase in hospitalizations for older adults due to respiratory conditions, and asthma attacks or stunted lung growth in children.

From Los Angeles Times

South Pars is the heart and lungs of an Iranian economy that relies heavily on natural gas to keep powering its homes, factories, cars and even its water pumps.

From The Wall Street Journal

The same gene signatures derived from colon cancer also proved useful in predicting metastatic risk in other cancers, including stomach, lung, and breast cancer.

From Science Daily