atelectasis

American  

[at-l-ek-tuh-sis] / ˌæt lˈɛk tə sɪs /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

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

Compare meaning

How does atelectasis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• atelectasis vs. pneumonia

Example Sentences

These result in part from the mechanical obstruction offered to the function of parts beyond the seat of obstruction, as pulmonary atelectasis; and in part from the changes taking place in the retained product.

From Project Gutenberg

Researchers found the infant's lungs showed signs of "pulmonary atelectasis, congestion, mild alveolar hemorrhage, and histiocytosis" as well as numerous other problems.

From Scientific American

It produces atelectasis followed by progressive necrosis of lung tissue with gradual liquefaction of the parenchyma.

From Project Gutenberg

Obstructive foreign bodies cause atelectasis, drowned lung, and eventually pulmonary abscess.

From Project Gutenberg

When a bronchus is completely obstructed by the bulk of the foreign body itself immediate removal is urgently demanded to prevent serious lung changes, resulting from atelectasis and want of drainage.

From Project Gutenberg