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

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

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

State officials warned that if trends don’t change, as many as a fifth of the roughly 5,000 workers in stonecutting shops identified across California could develop silicosis and up to 200 could die of it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

More than 200 cases of silicosis have been detected among California workers who cut countertops in recent years, including at least 15 that have led to death, according to public health officials.

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

The new alternatives boast reduced levels of crystalline silica, a mineral that can cause an incurable disease called silicosis if workers inhale tiny particles of dust from cutting and grinding stone.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2024