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pneumonitis

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

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.

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

In rare cases chicken pox can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis; an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis; and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and - very rarely - death.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2025

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 the dosage, it also can also cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, and dental erosion.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 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