asbestosis

noun

as·​bes·​to·​sis ˌas-ˌbe-ˈstō-səs How to pronounce asbestosis (audio) ˌaz- How to pronounce asbestosis (audio)
plural asbestoses ˌas-ˌbe-ˈstō-ˌsēz How to pronounce asbestosis (audio)
ˌaz-
: a pneumoconiosis due to asbestos particles that is marked by thickening and scarring of lung tissue

Examples of asbestosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs naturally in rocks and soil, but fibers can lead to various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 The puffs of soot that linger when touching ash could contain asbestos, and breathing it in has been linked to mesothelioma and the lung disease asbestosis. Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025 It is now known to cause cancers, asbestosis, and other potentially deadly diseases. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024 By the 1960s, medical research had linked asbestos exposure to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, a lung disease resulting from inhalation of asbestos particles. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2024 Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers and dust can lead to a lung disease called asbestosis, which causes thickening and scarring of the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024 The team believes that the effects of asbestos exposure are likely underestimated, unless lung cancer is considered alongside mesothelioma and asbestosis. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asbestosis was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Asbestosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asbestosis. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

asbestosis

noun
as·​bes·​to·​sis ˌas-ˌbes-ˈtō-səs, ˌaz- How to pronounce asbestosis (audio)
plural asbestoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce asbestosis (audio)
: a pneumoconiosis due to asbestos particles that is marked by fibrosis and scarring of lung tissue

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