emphysema

em·phy·se·ma

noun \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-\

Definition of EMPHYSEMA

: 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

—em·phy·se·ma·tous \-ˈzem-ət-əs, -ˈsem-, -ˈzēm-, -ˈsēm-\ adjective

—em·phy·se·mic \-ˈzē-mik, -ˈsē-\ adjective