pneumonitis
noun
pneu·mo·ni·tis
ˌnü-mə-ˈnī-təs
ˌnyü-
: acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs that is characterized especially by cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fever, and may result in the development of fibrotic scar tissue when chronic or untreated
Note: While pneumonitis and pneumonia are often used synonymously, pneumonitis is typically used when the cause is a noninfectious agent (such as a chemical or radiation).
The fungus caused an outbreak of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs triggered by an allergic reaction.—Faye Rice
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share