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

Houston, 42, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and believes the wage package would help ease costs of treatment. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

In people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise capacity and respiratory function increase. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Researchers have found that cold air can inflame the lungs and inhibit circulation, which can be challenging for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).12 Keeping your room too cold can even inhibit your body's ability to fight a cold or flu. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Nov. 2024

Leonard died on February 27, 2015 at age 83 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but his legacy lives on. —Jp Mangalindan, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

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