emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə 
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: 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
Examples of emphysema in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In August 2024, Lynch announced that he had been diagnosed with emphysema.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
With Los Angeles still burning in the background, David Lynch died a few weeks ago — from complications of emphysema at 78 — and Hollywood went into sudden and deep mourning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
That’s when Faliero was diagnosed with bullous emphysema, a type of lung disease where pockets of air form in the walls of your lungs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 14 May 2025
Lynch passed away on Wednesday, January 15 after years suffering from emphysema.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphysema
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Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
With Los Angeles still burning in the background, David Lynch died a few weeks ago — from complications of emphysema at 78 — and Hollywood went into sudden and deep mourning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
That’s when Faliero was diagnosed with bullous emphysema, a type of lung disease where pockets of air form in the walls of your lungs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 14 May 2025
Lynch passed away on Wednesday, January 15 after years suffering from emphysema.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphysema
Cite this Entry
“Emphysema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: a condition marked by abnormal enlargement of the air spaces of the lungs, shortness of breath, and often by faulty heart action
Medical Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: 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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