byssinosis

[ bis-uh-noh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. brown lung.

byssinosis

/ ˌbɪsɪˈnəʊsɪs /

noun

1. a lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of fibre dust in textile factories

Word History and Origins

Origin of byssinosis¹

1885–90; < Greek býssin ( os ) fine flax, linen (equivalent to býss ( os ) byssus + -inos -ine ¹ ) + -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of byssinosis¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek bussinos of linen (see byssus ) + -osis