silicosis

American  

[sil-i-koh-sis] / ˌsɪl ɪˈkoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease of the lungs caused by the inhaling of siliceous particles, as by stonecutters.

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silicosis British  

/ ˌsɪlɪˈkəʊsɪs /

noun

1. pathol a form of pneumoconiosis caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica, quartz, or slate, and characterized by shortness of breath and fibrotic changes in the tissues of the lungs

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Other Word Forms

• silicotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of silicosis

First recorded in 1890–95; silic(a) + -osis

Example Sentences

People with weakened immune systems caused by health conditions that include HIV infection, diabetes, silicosis and severe kidney disease have a higher risk of getting TB.

From Los Angeles Times

A further, lesser known risk is that of silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust, usually over many years.

From BBC

In Los Angeles County, they have become the face of an alarming outbreak of silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling dust loaded with crystalline silica, among young workers who cut countertops.

From Los Angeles Times

Long-term health effects can include lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis or silicosis.

From Los Angeles Times

Health officials have tied the silicosis outbreak among countertop cutters to the swelling popularity of engineered stone, which can contain upward of 93% crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times