silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs 

: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts

silicotic

ˌsi-lə-ˈkä-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the long-term consequences of ash exposure can include silicosis, a lung disease and a possible cause of cancer. —David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025

Long-term health effects can include lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis or silicosis. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

California board backs rules aimed at protecting workers from deadly silicosis. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

Doctors have raised alarms as young workers have been afflicted with silicosis, a deadly illness caused by inhaling particles of crystalline silica. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs 

: a serious lung disease that is characterized by scar tissue in the lungs and shortness of breath and is caused by inhaling silica dusts for a long time

Medical Definition

silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs 

plural silicoses -ˌsēz 

: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts compare black lung, pneumoconiosis