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

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

When a miner died and it was suspected they had pneumoconiosis, local coroners in England and Wales were required to inform the PMPs when and where a post-mortem examination would be taking place.

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 federal dust rules exist to protect mine workers from inhaling too much dusty air, which can contribute to an incurable and fatal disease called pneumoconiosis, or black lung.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 17, 2021

He is also the writer-in-residence of a charity dedicated to helping those with pneumoconiosis, writing essays to raise awareness.

From New York Times ● Nov. 13, 2021