emphysema

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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

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emphysematous

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

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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

Eye irritation, asthma, coughing, bronchitis, emphysema and chest tightening were problems in many of the communities.

— lisa demer, Alaska Dispatch News, "Dust busting: Bush Alaska clouds with choking dust, and residents want to do something about it," 14 Aug. 2017
Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen.

— cullen murphy, Vanities, "When Fairfield County Was the Comic-Strip Capital of the World," 9 Aug. 2017
Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen.

— cullen murphy, Vanities, "When Fairfield County Was the Comic-Strip Capital of the World," 9 Aug. 2017
People with asthma, emphysema and other lung ailments should keep necessary and recommended medications at hand.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "10 health tips to stay safe during Seattle’s smoky haze," 3 Aug. 2017
Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen.

— cullen murphy, vanityfair.com, "When Fairfield County Was the Comic-Strip Capital of the World," 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, "Column: Corporate profits trump health, safety," 2 Aug. 2017
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis).

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "FDA Announces Plan to Cut Nicotine Content in Cigarettes," 28 July 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, "Watch a heroic golden retriever save a baby deer from drowning," 18 July 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

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

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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

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