pneumoconiosis

American  

[noo-muh-koh-nee-oh-sis, nyoo-] / ˌnu məˌkoʊ niˈoʊ sɪs, ˌnju- /

noun

Pathology.

1. any chronic lung disease, including anthracosis, asbestosis, and silicosis, caused by the inhalation of particles of coal, asbestos, silica, or similar substances and leading to fibrosis and loss of lung function.

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pneumoconiosis British  

/ ˌnjuːmənəʊˌkəʊnɪˈəʊsɪs, ˌnjuːməʊˌkəʊnɪˈəʊsɪs /

noun

1. any disease of the lungs or bronchi caused by the inhalation of metallic or mineral particles: characterized by inflammation, cough, and fibrosis

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pneumoconiosis Scientific  

/ no̅o̅′mō-kō′nē-ō′sĭs /

1. A disease of the lungs, such as asbestosis or black lung, caused by chronic inhalation of especially mineral or metallic dust.

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Etymology

Origin of pneumoconiosis

First recorded in 1880–85; syncopated variant of pneumonoconiosis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pneumoconiosis

John, who asked to be identified by a pseudonym because he is part of a lawsuit against his former employer, has been diagnosed with coal workers' pneumoconiosis, commonly called black lung disease.

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

Black lung disease, formally known as pneumoconiosis, is a horrible condition caused by inhaling coal dust.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2024

The inaction since - fueled by denials and lobbying from coal and other industries - has contributed to the premature deaths of thousands of miners from pneumoconiosis, more commonly known as “black lung.”

From Washington Times ● Jul. 24, 2023

The inhaling of dusty air in mines can lead to an incurable and fatal disease called pneumoconiosis, or black lung, which has killed tens of thousands of coal miners.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 6, 2021

X-rays show grainy masses in their chests, and they regularly spit up black phlegm, symptoms of pneumoconiosis, more commonly known as black lung disease.

From New York Times ● Aug. 18, 2020

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