pleurisy

[ploor-uh-see]

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the pleura, with or without a liquid effusion in the pleural cavity, characterized by a dry cough and pain in the affected side.

pleurisy

/ plʊˈrɪtɪk, ˈplʊərɪsɪ /

noun

1. inflammation of the pleura, characterized by pain that is aggravated by deep breathing or coughing

pleurisy

1. An inflammation of the pleura, usually occurring because of complications of a respiratory disease or condition such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural injury, or asbestos exposure. Pleurisy is usually accompanied by the accumulation of fluid between the pleurae, chills, fever, and painful breathing and coughing.

Other Word Forms

• pleuritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurisy¹

1350–1400; Middle English pluresy < Old French pleurisie < Late Latin pleurīsis, alteration of Latin pleurītis < Greek pleurîtis. See pleura, -itis

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurisy¹

C14: from Old French pleurisie, from Late Latin pleurisis, from Greek pleuritis, from pleura side

Example Sentences

He contracted pleurisy as a young man and had a partial lung removal, which has left him particularly vulnerable to pneumonia.

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He is especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy - an inflammation around the lungs - as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

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The Pope is especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy - an inflammation around the lungs - as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

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The Pope is especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

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He went to see a doctor and was initially told he had pleurisy, inflammation around the lungs which causes sharp chest pain.

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