First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
asthma
noun asth·ma \ˈaz-mə, British ˈas-\
medical : a physical condition that makes it difficult for someone to breathe
Full Definition of ASTHMA
: 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)
— asth·mat·ic \az-ˈma-tik, British as-\ adjective or noun
— asth·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of ASTHMA
Middle English asma, from Medieval Latin, modification of Greek asthma
Other Medicine Terms
Rhymes with ASTHMA
ASTHMA Defined for Kids
asthma
noun asth·ma \ˈaz-mə\
Definition of ASTHMA for Kids
: a lung disorder that causes periods of wheezing, coughing, and difficulty with breathing
Medical Dictionary
asthma
noun asth·ma \ˈaz-mə\
Medical Definition of ASTHMA
: 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)
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