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pneumonitis

American  
[noo-muh-nahy-tis, nyoo-] / ˌnu məˈnaɪ tɪs, ˌnju- /

noun

Pathology.
  1. inflammation of the lung caused by a virus or exposure to irritating substances.


pneumonitis British  
/ ˌnjuːmɒnˈaɪtɪs /

noun

  1. inflammation of the lungs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pneumonitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at pneumon-, -itis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Following a pneumonitis event, the patient opted to withdraw from supported care, at which point his symptoms worsened until the patient died.

From Barron's Apr. 28, 2026

Mr Spencer died from a lung injury called aspiration pneumonitis due to near drowning.

From BBC Dec. 19, 2023

Anti-inflammatory drugs given to patients during radiation therapy can dampen the inflammation in the lungs, called pneumonitis, but not all patients respond equally well.

From Science Daily Oct. 17, 2023

Depending on how long someone is exposed to the material, and how much, it also can cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis and dental erosion.

From Seattle Times Feb. 16, 2023

“Did it turn out to be pneumonitis? That’s what Mr. Pilsen thought.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

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