emphysema

noun

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em·phy·se·ma | \ ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə

, -ˈsē-

Definition of emphysema

: a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues specifically : a condition of the lung marked by abnormal enlargement of the alveoli with loss of pulmonary elasticity that is characterized especially by shortness of breath and may lead to impairment of heart action

Other Words from emphysema Example Sentences Learn More About emphysema

Other Words from emphysema

emphysematous \ ˌem(p)-fə-ˈze-mə-təs

, -ˈse- , -ˈzē- , -ˈsē- \ adjective

emphysemic \ ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mik

, -ˈsē- \ adjective

Examples of emphysema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Young children, the elderly and others who have respiratory issues — such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema — are more vulnerable to ozone’s effects. — Elena Bruess, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Oct. 2021 Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen. — Cullen Murphy, Vanities, 9 Aug. 2017 People with asthma, emphysema and other lung ailments should keep necessary and recommended medications at hand. — Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, 3 Aug. 2017 Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause decreased lung function, as well as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer. — Cincinnati.com, 2 Aug. 2017 The fawn was transported to the Star Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center, where it is currently being treated for subcutaneous emphysema, a condition in which air gets trapped under the skin. — Lindsey Bever, chicagotribune.com, 18 July 2017 In addition to preventing lung diseases including cancer, emphysema, and chronic breathing problems, smoking increases your risk of colorectal cancer, which is more common in men. — George James, Philly.com, 16 June 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emphysema.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near emphysema

emphatic state

emphysema

emphysematous anthrax

Statistics for emphysema

Cite this Entry

“Emphysema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema. Accessed 7 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for emphysema

emphysema

noun

em·phy·se·ma | \ ˌem-fə-ˈzē-mə

, -ˈsē-mə \

Kids Definition of emphysema

: a disease in which the lungs become stretched and inefficient

emphysema

noun

em·phy·se·ma | \ ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə

, -ˈsē-

Medical 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

Other Words from emphysema

emphysematous \ -ˈzem-ət-əs

, -ˈsem-

, -ˈzēm-

, -ˈsēm-

\ adjective

emphysemic \ -ˈzē-mik

, -ˈsē-

\ adjective