Medical Dictionary
1collapse
verb col·lapse \kə-ˈlaps\
col·lapsedcol·laps·ing
Medical Definition of COLLAPSE
intransitive verb
1
: to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely : fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>
2
: to break down in vital energy, stamina, or self-control through exhaustion or disease; especially : to fall helpless or unconscious
transitive verb
: to cause to collapse <collapsing an infected lung>
—col·laps·ibil·i·ty \-ˌlap-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun
—col·laps·ible \-ˈlap-sə-bəl\ adjective
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