chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

—abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis can cause chronic shortness of breath,1 which may be especially noticeable when exercising or walking. —Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025

This can contribute to a number of health problems, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Louis died on March 29, 2024, due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. —Karen Fratti, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025

The asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Trelegy Ellipta accounted for $5.1 billion in spending. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

variants also chronic obstructive lung disease

: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD