chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

—abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, eight out of 10 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are in people who smoke.11 COPD leads to limited airflow due to damage and inflammation to the lungs. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

The American Lung Association specifically recommends that high-risk adults, including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), get vaccinated against pertussis. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Feb. 2025

Churchwell said that people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are on a specific form of a beta blocker to avoid worsening lung functions. —Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

The event will be held Feb. 28 at Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Ga., in honor of Betts, who died in April 2024 at the age of 80 after suffering from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

variants also chronic obstructive lung disease

: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD