chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

—abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some health conditions can also make people more susceptible to poor air quality, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, per the report. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 15 May 2024

These conditions can make breathing more difficult — especially for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD — and increase the use of inhalers. —Martha Bebinger, NPR, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

variants also chronic obstructive lung disease

: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD