silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs 

: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts

silicotic

ˌsi-lə-ˈkä-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then in 2025, California Senate Bill 20 expanded the state public health agency’s role in silicosis surveillance, outreach and education, and the department designated silicosis as a mandatory reportable condition in California. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

In 2024, in the first case that went to trial, a 36-year-old worker with silicosis who underwent double lung transplantation while on life support was awarded US$52 million. — David Michaels, Fortune, 21 June 2026

Ruby Lopez, whose husband Mynor Lopez contracted silicosis from fabricating quartz countertops, took aim at the industry during Thursday’s hearing. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 23 May 2026

After about a decade, he was diagnosed with silicosis. — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs 

: 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 

plural silicoses -ˌsēz 

: 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