lung

[luhng]

noun

1. either of the two saclike respiratory organs in the thorax of humans and the higher vertebrates.

2. an analogous organ in certain invertebrates, as arachnids or terrestrial gastropods.

lung

/ lʌŋ /

noun

1. either one of a pair of spongy saclike respiratory organs within the thorax of higher vertebrates, which oxygenate the blood and remove its carbon dioxide

2. any similar or analogous organ in other vertebrates or in invertebrates

3. in one's loudest voice; yelling

lung

1. Either of two spongy organs in the chest of air-breathing vertebrate animals that serve as the organs of gas exchange. Blood flowing through the lungs picks up oxygen from inhaled air and releases carbon dioxide, which is exhaled. Air enters and leaves the lungs through the bronchial tubes.

2. A similar organ found in some invertebrates.

Other Word Forms

• lunged adjective
• half-lunged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lung¹

before 1000; Middle English lungen, Old English; cognate with German Lunge; akin to light ², lights

Word History and Origins

Origin of lung¹

Old English lungen; related to Old High German lungun lung. Compare _lights ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at the top of one's lungs, as loudly as possible; with full voice.

   The baby cried at the top of his lungs.

see at the top of one's lungs.

Example Sentences

If the virus spreads further, it can reach your lungs and cause a pesky cough.

From BBC

“I’m never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues,” Williams said in her interview.

From Los Angeles Times

Murray revealed he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2021 and had an operation to remove a lung tumour in its early stages, followed by chemotherapy, in January 2022.

From BBC

On Friday, the man who once suggested injecting household cleaners into the lungs could cure COVID-19, took to Truth Social to impart his alleged wisdom.

From Salon

Some symptoms can include fever, chills with cough, shortness of breath if the bacteria infect the lung, and pain or blood when urinating if the bladder/kidneys are infected.

From Los Angeles Times