emphysema

play

noun 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

emphysematous

play \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈze-mə-təs, -ˈse-, -ˈzē-, -ˈsē-\ adjective

emphysemic

play \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mik, -ˈsē-\ adjective

See emphysema defined for English-language learners

See emphysema defined for kids

Recent Examples of emphysema from the Web

Teal spent the final year of his life sick in bed with emphysema.

— gary schwab, charlotteobserver, "Discovered WWII love letters reveal soldiers dreaming of Evangeline", 4 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, "Healthy Father's Day: 25 tips to get and stay well", 16 June 2017
All you people who got emphysema because of the Federal Trade Commission, please step forward.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Mike Pence Can't Figure Out Why 'the Left' Is Worried About Climate Change", 2 June 2017
Visiting moderate altitude may be feasible, but emphysema sufferers should consult a doctor before a trip.

— sammy caiola, sacbee, "High anxiety: Heed warnings when exercising at altitude", 6 May 2017
Last year, Lannett more than tripled the price of terbutaline, a treatment for asthma and emphysema, propelling it to $435 for 100 tablets of 2.5 milligrams each, up from $136 for the bottle.

— gretchen morgenson, New York Times, "Defiant, Generic Drug Maker Continues to Raise Prices", 14 Apr. 2017
My mom, who is 79, has emphysema and a spine that is slowly disintegrating—conditions that keep her almost entirely bedridden.

— jill gleeson, Woman's Day, "How to Deal with a Mid-Life Breakup Like a Boss", 17 Jan. 2017
Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy.

— brian x. chen, WIRED, "Keychain Guarantees Addiction to Ripping Mail Parcels", 3 Oct. 2008

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.

Origin and Etymology of emphysema

New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- ²en- + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule

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First Known Use: circa 1587

See Words from the same year

EMPHYSEMA Defined for English Language Learners

emphysema

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noun

Definition of emphysema for English Language Learners

medical : a disease in which the lungs become stretched and breathing becomes difficult

EMPHYSEMA Defined for Kids

emphysema

play

noun em·phy·se·ma \ˌem-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-mə\

Definition of emphysema for Students

: a disease in which the lungs become stretched and inefficient

Medical Dictionary

emphysema

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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