pneumonia

American  

[noo-mohn-yuh, -moh-nee-uh, nyoo-] / nʊˈmoʊn yə, -ˈmoʊ ni ə, nyʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the lungs with congestion.

2. Also called lobar pneumonia.  an acute disease of the lungs, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and characterized by fever, a cough with blood-tinged phlegm, and difficult breathing.

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pneumonia British  

/ njuːˈməʊnɪə /

noun

1. inflammation of one or both lungs, in which the air sacs (alveoli) become filled with liquid, which renders them useless for breathing. It is usually caused by bacterial (esp pneumococcal) or viral infection

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pneumonia Scientific  

/ n-mōn′yə /

1. An acute or chronic disease marked by inflammation of the lungs, especially an infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, such as mycoplasmas. Individuals with pneumonia often have abnormal chest x-rays that show areas with fluid in the infected part of the lungs.

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pneumonia Cultural  

1. A disease characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by many factors, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and the inhalation of chemical irritants.

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Etymology

Origin of pneumonia

First recorded in 1595–1605; from New Latin, from Greek pneumonía; equivalent to pneumon- + -ia

Compare meaning

How does pneumonia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• atelectasis vs. pneumonia
• pleurisy vs. pneumonia
• ammonia vs. pneumonia

Example Sentences

Zia had been in hospital for the past month, receiving treatment for kidney damage, heart disease and pneumonia, among other conditions.

From BBC

Despite being struck down with pneumonia, he has no plans to slow down; the music must continue.

From BBC

Among the children who died from flu last season, the most common complications experienced before death were shock or sepsis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, seizures and damage to the brain.

From Los Angeles Times

On the journey home from the first World Cup, Eisenbeisser contracted pneumonia and a priest was called to administer the last rites.

From Los Angeles Times

Because this was the family’s busy season, he insisted on working despite a bad cold that turned into walking pneumonia, Louis Jr. said.

From Los Angeles Times