asbestosis

American  

[as-be-stoh-sis, az-] / ˌæs bɛˈstoʊ sɪs, ˌæz- /

noun

Pathology.

1. a lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.

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asbestosis British  

/ ˌæsbɛsˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the lungs resulting from chronic inhalation of asbestos particles

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asbestosis Scientific  

/ ăs′bĕs-tō′sĭs /

1. A chronic, progressive lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos particles.

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Etymology

Origin of asbestosis

From New Latin, dating back to 1925–30; asbestos, -osis

Example Sentences

Over many years - usually decades - they can cause scarring which leads to a serious lung condition known as asbestosis, or, in some cases, an aggressive form of lung-cancer named mesothelioma.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

People who lived and worked in Libby breathed in the microscopic needle-shaped asbestos fibers that can cause the lung cancer mesothelioma or lung scarring called asbestosis, the lawsuit argues.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2024

Dr Gun said the effects of asbestos exposure are likely being underestimated unless lung cancer is considered alongside mesothelioma and asbestosis.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2023

Ms. Benefield was diagnosed with asbestosis and has been on supplemental oxygen full-time since 2015, though she still golfs and bowls, she says.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2022

The body cannot break down these fibers once they are stuck, which is why exposure to asbestos can cause serious health issues including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, the university states.

From Fox News • Oct. 18, 2019