emphysema

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

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

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

Then there’s emphysema, which also happens most often in smokers.

— korin miller, SELF, "Here’s When to See a Doctor About That Persistent Cough," 7 Apr. 2018
Hanni showed great strength, persistence and fortitude in handling the challenges presented by her emphysema over the past 15 years.

— courant.com, "Johanna M. Weed," 21 Jan. 2018
The cause was emphysema, said Dr. Joseph Platania, his cardiologist.

— james barron, New York Times, "Peter Colapietro, ‘Saloon Priest’ Who Ministered to Lowly and Mighty, Dies at 69," 5 Feb. 2018
Unfortunately Tom’s body suffered from many serious ailments including emphysema, knee problems and most significantly a fractured hip.

— mike miller, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Stapleton and Emmylou Harris Perform Emotional Tribute to Tom Petty at 2018 Grammy Awards," 28 Jan. 2018
Renewable energy use brings positive public health outcomes: less asthma, less emphysema, less cancer, particularly in urban areas.

— keith matheny, Detroit Free Press, "Renewable energy proponents in Michigan push for November ballot measure," 13 Feb. 2018
Crawford had cared for Hicks, a retired electrician who had emphysema.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Execution delayed: Condemned killer gets second chance after juror has second thoughts," 8 Feb. 2018
Legionnaires' disease generally affects older individuals, people with weakened immune systems or who suffer from chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, emphysema or diabetes, among others.

— mayra cruz, Houston Chronicle, "Cypress woman confirmed to have Legionnaires' disease," 15 Feb. 2018
Unfortunately Tom’s body suffered from many serious ailments including emphysema, knee problems and most significantly a fractured hip.

— mike miller, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Stapleton and Emmylou Harris Perform Emotional Tribute to Tom Petty at 2018 Grammy Awards," 28 Jan. 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

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EMPHYSEMA Defined for English Language Learners

emphysema

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

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

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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