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

Derived Forms

• silicotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of silicosis

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

Example Sentences

A government hospital insisted it was tuberculosis, although silicosis can also make people more susceptible to TB.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

"There is a blanket of dust all day from all the mining and stone crushing," said Subhash Saini, whose brother died from what private doctors said was silicosis, an illness caused by breathing in dust.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

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 • Feb. 3, 2026

Engineered stone makers have started to offer products with less silica amid an international outcry over countertop cutters falling ill and dying from silicosis.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

Those most at risk of developing silicosis have inhaled large amounts of silica dust over a period of years.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2024