asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

 British  ˈas-

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

asthmatic

az-ˈma-tik 

 British  as-

adjective or noun

asthmatically

az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 British  as-

adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Zapata’s death a homicide in October, and said his death was caused by acute asthma exacerbation complicated by mechanical asphyxia and methamphetamine. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2024

Back in the hospital, a pending appointment with Catherine causes Adams to leave his asthma patient in the capable hands of Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.), who seems uncomfortable. —Lincee Ray, EW.com, 31 May 2024

Read More: An N95 Mask Is Your Best Outdoor Defense Against Wildfire Smoke Dirty air’s impact on people with severe asthma Exposure to any kind of dirty air can make asthma a lot worse, says Dr. Stokes Peebles, section chief for allergy and immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. —Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024

Gas stoves may contribute to early deaths and childhood asthma, a new Stanford study finds. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asthma

• anti-asthma
• bronchial asthma

Kids Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing

asthmatic

az-ˈmat-ik 

adjective or noun

asthmatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)