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

In Camagüey, in central Cuba, Irina Fals, a hairdresser, belongs to a WhatsApp group with Ávila for mothers with children who have cystic fibrosis, where they share tips and experiences.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Vertex is trying to expand beyond its treatments of cystic fibrosis, which have helped power its total market capitalization above $100 billion.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 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

In the 1980s, human geneticists begin to use these techniques to map and identify genes linked to diseases, such as Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee