First Known Use: 1661
Dictionary
emphysema
noun em·phy·se·ma \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-\
medical : a disease in which the lungs become stretched and breathing becomes difficult
Full Definition of EMPHYSEMA
: 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
— em·phy·se·ma·tous \-ˈze-mə-təs, -ˈse-, -ˈzē-, -ˈsē-\ adjective
— em·phy·se·mic \-ˈzē-mik, -ˈsē-\ adjective
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Origin of EMPHYSEMA
New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- 2en- + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule
Rhymes with EMPHYSEMA
EMPHYSEMIC Defined for Kids
emphysema
noun em·phy·se·ma \ˌem-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-mə\
Definition of EMPHYSEMA for Kids
: a disease in which the lungs become stretched and inefficient
Medical Dictionary
emphysema
noun em·phy·se·ma \ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə, -ˈsē-\
Medical Definition of EMPHYSEMA
: 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
—em·phy·se·ma·tous \-ˈzem-ət-əs, -ˈsem-, -ˈzēm-, -ˈsēm-\ adjective
—em·phy·se·mic \-ˈzē-mik, -ˈsē-\ adjective
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