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Definition of emphysema

emphysema

/ˌɛm.fəˈziː.mə/
em · phy · se · ma
Plural:emphysemas
•
Adjective:emphysematous
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emphysema Lexical Profile

emphysema Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chronic, progressive respiratory disease in which the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become damaged and enlarged, causing severe shortness of breath.

Example

"After decades of heavy smoking, my grandfather was diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema and required supplemental oxygen."

2

A medical condition in which air or gas collects abnormally within body tissues, such as beneath the skin.

Example

"The trauma surgeon examined the patient's neck for signs of subcutaneous emphysema following the chest injury."

• Rhymes for emphysema

• Nearby Words

emphasize
emphatic
emphatically
emphysema
empidonax
empire
empirical

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'emphysema' (an inflation or swelling), from 'emphysan' (to blow in or inflate), combining 'en-' (in) and 'physan' (to blow).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Emphysema. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/emphysema
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