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cystic fibrosis

American  

noun

Pathology.
  1. a hereditary chronic disease of the exocrine glands, characterized by the production of viscid mucus that obstructs the pancreatic ducts and bronchi, leading to infection and fibrosis.


cystic fibrosis British  

noun

  1. an inheritable disease of the exocrine glands, controlled by a recessive gene: affected children inherit defective alleles from both parents. It is characterized by chronic infection of the respiratory tract and by pancreatic insufficiency

"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

cystic fibrosis Scientific  
/ sĭstĭkfī-brōsĭs /
  1. An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands, usually developing during early childhood and affecting mainly the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. It is marked by the production of abnormally thick mucus by the affected glands, usually resulting in chronic respiratory infections and impaired pancreatic function.


cystic fibrosis Cultural  
  1. A congenital and chronic disease that affects certain glands in the body, particularly the sweat glands, the pancreas, and the glands in the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Cystic fibrosis causes recurring respiratory disorders (see respiration) and interferes with the production of enzymes by the pancreas.


Etymology

Origin of cystic fibrosis

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some inherited diseases, including cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and Tay Sachs disease, involve multiple genetic mutations within a person's DNA.

From Science Daily

We expect the company’s launch of Alyftrek in cystic fibrosis will do well over time.

From Barron's

Yvonne recalled standing in a church when she was aged about 20, at the funeral of a childhood friend who had died from cystic fibrosis.

From BBC

Currently, newborn babies are only given a heelprick blood test that checks for nine serious conditions, including cystic fibrosis.

From BBC

Worsening osteoporosis in older women may lead to exhaling DMS, as can the positive effects of a medication cocktail for children with cystic fibrosis.

From Salon