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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cystic fibrosis

Vertex finished 2025 with $12 billion in total revenue, with most of its business from cystic fibrosis drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

This level of improvement could be especially important for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, where effective gene correction in lung tissue is essential.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2025

The Glaswegian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when just a baby, meaning she suffered breathing and digestive problems throughout her life.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2025

She won for her essay titled “Salt: Enhancing Lives One Breath at a Time,” which focused on using salt water to help the breathing of young cystic fibrosis patients.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel