asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

 British  ˈas-

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

asthmatic

az-ˈma-tik 

 British  as-

adjective or noun

asthmatically

az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 British  as-

adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The American Cancer Society and other public health groups pushed Newsom to veto this year’s bill, arguing that secondhand marijuana smoke has higher particulate levels than tobacco smoke and can cause health issues including cardiovascular disease, lung irritation and asthma attacks. —Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024

These include lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung infections like pneumonia and pulmonary abscess. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024

Contamination from floodwaters and the mold that quickly grows in a warm environment like those in Florida or Georgia can exacerbate asthma or trigger allergies. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024

Several of our reviewers live with pets, have asthma or allergies, or were hoping the devices would keep areas like the kitchen and bedroom fume-free. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asthma

• anti-asthma
• bronchial asthma

Kids Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing

asthmatic

az-ˈmat-ik 

adjective or noun

asthmatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)