emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə How to pronounce emphysema (audio) -ˈsē- How to pronounce emphysema (audio)
: 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
emphysemic adjective

Examples of emphysema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, a person with a lung disease like emphysema who comes down with COVID-19 may need hospitalization to get additional oxygen, Hudson said. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2024 Hickey died at the age of 69 in 1997 from emphysema and bronchitis. EW.com, 8 Nov. 2023 The patents in question—for inhalers and other devices used to deliver medicine to those with asthma or emphysema—often delay or prevent the development of alternatives to drugs used in the devices. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2024 Subcutaneous Emphysema Subcutaneous emphysema happens if air builds up under your skin. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 In fact, 42% of those in the study who were smokers, considered at stage 0, showed radiological (X-rays) evidence of emphysema and airway disease. Sherry Christiansen Updated, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2023 In Ohio, nearly 1 in 10 residents have chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The Enquirer, 28 June 2023 In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 Swisher’s death was ruled natural, caused by chronic methamphetamine abuse and emphysema, coroner’s investigators found. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emphysema.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- en- entry 2 + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphysema was circa 1587

Dictionary Entries Near emphysema

Cite this Entry

“Emphysema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emphysema

noun
em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə How to pronounce emphysema (audio) -ˈsē- How to pronounce emphysema (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce emphysema (audio) -ˈsē- How to pronounce emphysema (audio)
: 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
emphysemic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on emphysema

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!