atelectasis

[at-l-ek-tuh-sis]

noun Pathology.

incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth, as from lack of breathing force.

collapse of the lungs, as from bronchial obstruction.

Origin of atelectasis

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

Related formsat·e·lec·tat·ic

[at-l-ek-tat-ik] /ˌæt l ɛkˈtæt ɪk/, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for atelectasis

atelectasis

noun

failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth

collapse of the lung or a part of the lung, usually caused by bronchial obstruction

Word Origin for atelectasis

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

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

Word Origin and History for atelectasis

"incomplete expansion of the lungs," 1836, medical Latin, from Greek ateles "imperfect, incomplete," literally "without an end," (from a-, privative prefix, + telos "completion") + ektosis "extention." Related: Atelectatic.

atelectasis in Medicine

atelectasis

[ăt′l-ĕk′tə-sĭs]

n.

The absence of gas from all or a part of the lungs, due to failure of expansion or resorption of gas from the alveoli.

A congenital condition characterized by the incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth.

Related formsat′e•lec•tat′ic (-ĕk-tăt′ĭk) adj.