emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə 
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: 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
Examples of emphysema in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jessie, a lifelong smoker, was diagnosed at the age of forty-five with emphysema, which would eventually be compounded by esophageal cancer.
—
Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Stem cells are considered experimental for most uses, despite being marketed as a treatment for everything from autism and emphysema to sports injuries.
—Heather Hollingsworth The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 16 June 2024
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma are the most common diseases within the chronic lower respiratory disease category.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 30 Apr. 2024
Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
—Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emphysema 
Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Stem cells are considered experimental for most uses, despite being marketed as a treatment for everything from autism and emphysema to sports injuries.
—Heather Hollingsworth The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 16 June 2024
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma are the most common diseases within the chronic lower respiratory disease category.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 30 Apr. 2024
Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
—Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emphysema
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Cite this Entry
“Emphysema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: 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
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē-
: 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
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