atelectasis

[ at-l-ek-tuh-sis ]

/ ˌæt lˈɛk tə sɪs /

noun Pathology.

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

collapse of the lungs, as from bronchial obstruction.

Words nearby atelectasis

atchafalaya, atchison, ate, atebrin, atef-crown, atelectasis, ateleiosis, atelier, ateliosis, ateliotic dwarf, atelo-

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

OTHER WORDS FROM atelectasis

at·e·lec·tat·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for atelectasis

atelectasis

/ (ˌætəˈlɛktəsɪs) /

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

Medicine definitions for atelectasis

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.

Other words from atelectasis

at′e•lec•tat′ic (-ĕk-tăt′ĭk) adj.