This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
emphysema
[ em-fuh-see-muh, -zee- ]
/ ˌɛm fəˈsi mə, -ˈzi- /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Pathology.
a chronic, irreversible disease of the lungs characterized by abnormal enlargement of air spaces in the lungs accompanied by destruction of the tissue lining the walls of the air spaces.
any abnormal distention of an organ, or part of the body, with air or other gas.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of emphysema
1655–65; <New Latin <Greek emphȳ́sēma inflation, equivalent to em-em-2 + phȳsē- (variant stem of phȳsân to blow) + -ma noun suffix denoting result of action
OTHER WORDS FROM emphysema
em·phy·sem·a·tous [em-fuh-sem-uh-tuhs, -see-muh-, -zem-uh-, -zee-muh-], /ˌɛm fəˈsɛm ə təs, -ˈsi mə-, -ˈzɛm ə-, -ˈzi mə-/, adjectiveem·phy·se·mic, adjectiveWords nearby emphysema
emphasis, emphasize, emphasized, emphatic, emphatically, emphysema, em pica, empire, empire builder, empire building, Empire Day
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use emphysema in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for emphysema
emphysema
/ (ˌɛmfɪˈsiːmə) /
noun pathol
Also called: pulmonary emphysema a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are grossly enlarged, causing breathlessness and wheezing
the abnormal presence of air in a tissue or part
Derived forms of emphysema
emphysematous (ˌɛmfɪˈsɛmətəs, -ˈsiː-), adjectiveWord Origin for emphysema
C17: from New Latin, from Greek emphusēma, a swelling up, from emphusan to inflate, from phusan to blow
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
Scientific definitions for emphysema
emphysema
[ ĕm′fĭ-sē′mə ]
A chronic lung disease characterized by progressive, irreversible expansion of the alveoli with eventual destruction of alveolar tissue, causing obstruction to airflow. Patients with emphysema often have labored breathing, wheezing, chronic fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infection, and may require oxygen therapy. Long-term smoking is a common cause of emphysema.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for emphysema
emphysema
[ (em-fuh-see-muh, em-fuh-zee-muh) ]
A chronic disease in which the tiny air sacs in the lungs become stretched and enlarged, so that they are less able to supply oxygen to the blood. Emphysema causes shortness of breath and painful coughing and can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Emphysema occurs most frequently in older men who have been heavy smokers.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.