emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə  -ˈsē- 

: a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues

specifically : a condition of the lung marked by abnormal enlargement of the alveoli with loss of pulmonary elasticity that is characterized especially by shortness of breath and may lead to impairment of heart action

emphysematous

ˌem(p)-fə-ˈze-mə-təs  -ˈse-  -ˈzē-  -ˈsē- 

adjective

emphysemic

ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mik  -ˈsē- 

adjective

Examples of emphysema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s often caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, chemical pollutants, and mineral, wood, or metal dusts that irritate the lungs; examples include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

Along with emphysema, chronic bronchitis is considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

The patient was in his 60s, an African American man with emphysema. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024

Jackie Martin of Canton, North Carolina, relies on supplemental oxygen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. —Kim Dinan, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- en- entry 2 + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə  -ˈsē- 

: a condition marked by abnormal enlargement of the air spaces of the lungs, shortness of breath, and often by faulty heart action

Medical Definition

emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə  -ˈsē- 

: a condition characterized by air-filled expansions in interstitial or subcutaneous tissues

specifically : a condition of the lung that is marked by distension and eventual rupture of the alveoli with progressive loss of pulmonary elasticity, that is accompanied by shortness of breath with or without cough, and that may lead to impairment of heart action

emphysematous

-ˈzem-ət-əs  -ˈsem-  -ˈzēm-  -ˈsēm- 

adjective

emphysemic

-ˈzē-mik  -ˈsē- 

adjective