atelectasis

[at-l-ek-tuh-sis]

noun

Pathology.

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

2. collapse of the lungs, as from bronchial obstruction.

atelectasis

/ ˌætəˈlɛktəsɪs /

noun

1. failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth

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

Other Word Forms

• atelectatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

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