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pneumonitis

American

[noo-muh-nahy-tis, nyoo-] / ˌnu məˈnaɪ tɪs, ˌnyu- /

noun

Pathology.

inflammation of the lung caused by a virus or exposure to irritating substances.

pneumonitis British

/ ˌnjuːmɒnˈaɪtɪs /

noun

inflammation of the lungs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pneumonitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; pneumon-, -itis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Even if you don't directly feed pigeons, their droppings on window sills and balconies can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis," he said.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

Mr Spencer died from a lung injury called aspiration pneumonitis due to near drowning.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

Anti-inflammatory drugs given to patients during radiation therapy can dampen the inflammation in the lungs, called pneumonitis, but not all patients respond equally well.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2023

Depending on how long someone is exposed to the material, and how much, it also can cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis and dental erosion.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2023

“Did it turn out to be pneumonitis? That’s what Mr. Pilsen thought.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023