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.

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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

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cystic fibrosis Scientific  

/ sĭs′tĭkfī-brō′sĭs /

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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of cystic fibrosis

First recorded in 1950–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cystic fibrosis

She struggles with repeat infections of all kinds — ear infections, conjunctivitis, pneumonia — and the drug, which is approved to treat cystic fibrosis, has helped keep her healthy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

The biotech says its cystic fibrosis drug candidate missed the mark in a Phase 2a trial, though the news could be a boon to shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

Regardless of how he fares this week, Howard says his Open debut will be worthwhile if it inspires other people with cystic fibrosis to chase their dreams.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

“It’s true that there’s a blockade against Cuba, but something good has to come out of all this,” said Iraida Ávila, who lives on the outskirts of Havana with her daughter, who has cystic fibrosis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

This isn’t the first time my cystic fibrosis has taken me out of the running for some class trip or sunny vacation or school event.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

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