silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts
silicotic adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, the effectiveness of these measures in preventing silicosis remains uncertain. Anna Werner, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2024 Advertisement California embraces emergency rules to protect countertop workers from incurable silicosis Dec. 14, 2023 The work includes replacing signal relay technology that is about as old as Union Station itself. Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2023 Labor California embraces emergency rules to protect countertop workers from incurable silicosis. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2023 Frank, meanwhile, said companies should be held responsible for cases of silicosis among their workforce. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 July 2023 The International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization launched a program to eliminate silicosis worldwide by 2030. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2023 Segura Meza had never heard of silicosis before he was diagnosed. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2023 Nearly half of the workers suffering silicosis in the UCLA and UCSF study said their workplaces were using water to control dust. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2023 The new study confirms a rise in silicosis among quartz fabricators in California. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silicosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicosis was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near silicosis

Cite this Entry

“Silicosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

silicosis

noun
sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: a serious lung disease that is characterized by scar tissue in the lungs and shortness of breath and is caused by inhaling silica dusts for a long time

Medical Definition

silicosis

noun
sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
plural silicoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts compare black lung, pneumoconiosis

More from Merriam-Webster on silicosis

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