pleurisy

noun pleu·ri·sy \ˈplu̇r-ə-sē\

medical : a serious and painful disease of the lungs

Full Definition of PLEURISY

: inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity

— pleu·rit·ic \plu̇-ˈri-tik\ adjective

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Origin of PLEURISY

Middle English pleuresi, from Anglo-French pleuresie, from Late Latin pleurisis, alteration of Latin pleuritis, from Greek, from pleura side

First Known Use: 14th century

PLEURISY Defined for Kids

pleurisy

noun pleu·ri·sy \ˈplu̇r-ə-sē\

Definition of PLEURISY for Kids

: a sore swollen state of the membrane that lines the chest often with fever, painful breathing, and coughing

Medical Dictionary

pleurisy

noun pleu·ri·sy \ˈplu̇r-ə-sē\

plural pleu·ri·sies

Medical Definition of PLEURISY

: inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity—called also pleuritis; see dry pleurisy, wet pleurisy