emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə 
-ˈsē-
-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
Examples of emphysema in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Between the lines: Smoke inhalation can harm people with all sorts of health conditions, from those with asthma and emphysema to heart attack survivors.
—
Steph Solis, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024
The results help doctors diagnose diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, assess severity of those conditions and monitor declines in lung function.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
Telomeres were there, cystic fibrosis, emphysema—all have research programs dedicated to them now.
—Stephen Buranyi, WIRED, 2 Oct. 2023
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
See all Example Sentences for emphysema 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steph Solis, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024
The results help doctors diagnose diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, assess severity of those conditions and monitor declines in lung function.
—Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
Telomeres were there, cystic fibrosis, emphysema—all have research programs dedicated to them now.
—Stephen Buranyi, WIRED, 2 Oct. 2023
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
See all Example Sentences for emphysema
Dictionary Entries Near emphysema
Cite this Entry
“Emphysema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə
-ˈsē-
-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-
-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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share