emphysema
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.
Origin of emphysema
1Other 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-/, adjective
- em·phy·se·mic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use emphysema in a sentence
The upper lobe partially excavated and ragged; the inferior lobe infiltrated and emphysematous.
An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis | Archibald MakellarThe putrefactive gases evolved cause the skin to become emphysematous and crepitant and produce an offensive odour.
Manual of Surgery | Alexis Thomson and Alexander MilesThe lungs were excessively emphysematous, and there was much secretion in the bronchi; the liver was slightly cirrhotic.
Poisons: Their Effects and Detection | Alexander Wynter BlythThe limb was slightly emphysematous, swollen, inflamed, and infiltrated with serum.
On the origin of inflammation of the veins | Henry LeeDecomposition sets in early, and the resulting gases cause a puffy, emphysematous condition of the connective tissue.
British Dictionary definitions for emphysema
/ (ˌɛmfɪˈsiːmə) /
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
Origin of emphysema
1Derived forms of emphysema
- emphysematous (ˌɛmfɪˈsɛmətəs, -ˈsiː-), adjective
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
[ 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
[ (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.
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