lung

noun

\ ˈləŋ

Definition of lung

1a : one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate

b : any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates

2a : a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface

b : a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator — compare iron lung

Other Words from lung Example Sentences Phrases Containing lung Learn More About lung

Examples of lung in a Sentence

He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.

Recent Examples on the Web In fact, one supplement, beta carotene, was found to be more harmful than beneficial; the use of it to prevent cardiovascular diseases or cancer actually increased the chances of lung cancer and death. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 22 June 2022 And of greater consequence, machines have even proven better than humans at detecting early-stage lung cancer. — Glenn Hopper, Forbes, 21 June 2022 Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, often leading to lung cancer, respiratory disorders, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses, per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 21 June 2022 Tambuzi was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in the summer of 2020, yet the 69-year-old continued his advocacy for social justice until his death on Thursday. — Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2022 But Alcantara lost his mother, Francisca Montera, to lung cancer last July, nearly four years after a brother, Lexi, died in a motorcycle accident. — New York Times, 17 June 2022 The cause was lung cancer, said his wife, Jane Molloy. — Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 17 June 2022 The burn pits emitted noxious fumes that researchers have shown can lead to health problems, including neurological issues and lung cancer. — Ben Kesling, WSJ, 16 June 2022 Other screenings such as those for prostate cancer and lung cancer can also be required for men 50-70 and people ages 55-80, with the latter screening depending on smoking history. — Kiersten Willis, ajc, 13 June 2022 See More

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

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Lunéville

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Last Updated

23 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lung. Accessed 28 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for lung

lung

noun

\ ˈləŋ

Kids Definition of lung

: either of two organs in the chest that are like bags and are the main breathing structure in animals that breathe air

lung

noun

\ ˈləŋ

Medical Definition of lung

1a : one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes

b : any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates