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.

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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

Words nearby atelectasis

atchafalaya, atchison, ate, atebrin, atef-crown, atelectasis, ateleiosis, atelier, ateliosis, ateliotic dwarf, atelo-
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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

Medical 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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.