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

SerpinB3 is known as a key protein that helps reveal when the body's barrier tissues, such as the skin and lungs, are under intense strain from cancer or long-term illness.

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Their findings showed consistent results in both laboratory tests using human lung cancer cell lines and in animal studies designed to mirror real tumor behavior.

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Asbestos, once widely used in building materials, can release toxic fibres into the air if disturbed or processed that can cling to the lungs and - over decades - cause cancer.

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The 32-year-old now faces a long road to recovery and has to learn to walk after suffering multiple broken bones and a punctured lung.

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They can damage the lungs and cause diseases including cancer.

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