asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  ˈas-
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
asthmatic
az-ˈma-tik How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adjective or noun
asthmatically
az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The agency has said nicotine from vapes can adversely influence development of adolescent brains, affecting attention, learning and memory, and their use may be associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. David Ovalle and Rachel Roubein The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2024 Over the past 50 years, treatment options in the event of an asthma or COPD attack—a similar event—have been relatively unchanged. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 More often than not these Neighborhoods located near industrial facilities face greater exposure to air and water pollution, leading to higher rates of asthma, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 According to the Cleveland Clinic, the possible side effects of Red 40 include: migraines, irritability, depression, hives, asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, skin irritation, allergic reaction, sneezing, and hyperactivity. Anne Michaud, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for asthma 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asthma was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near asthma

Cite this Entry

“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
asthmatic adjective or noun
asthmatically adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

More from Merriam-Webster on asthma

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