atelectasis

[ at-l-ek-tuh-sis ]

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.

atelectasis

/ 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

Other Words From

• at·e·lec·tat·ic [at-l-ek-, tat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek atelēs imperfect + ektasis extension