pneumoconiosis

American  

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

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

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

Silicosis is an occupational pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust present in minerals like sandstone.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2023

Last year, he was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, an incurable lung disease common in miners.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2021

And doctors say that those whose lung function is impaired by the disease, also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, are likely to be more vulnerable to covid-19.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2020