black lung

noun

: pneumoconiosis caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust

Examples of black lung in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But today, in Appalachia, miners are suffering from black lung at increasingly younger ages. David Morgan, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2024 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has proposed a new rule that would lower coal miners' exposure to silica dust, reducing the threat of black lung disease. David Morgan, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2024 Not your grandfather's black lung:Federal rule seeks to save coal miners from silica dust Officials and experts have known for decades that inhaling silica dust, a carcinogen also known as crystalline silica, produces permanent scarring in the lungs and limits lung capacity. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024 Their father was a coal miner, who died at age 52 of black lung, a condition that affected many mine workers. Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for black lung 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black lung.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black lung was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near black lung

Cite this Entry

“Black lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20lung. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

black lung

noun
: a disease of the lungs caused by the repeated breathing in of coal dust over a long time

called also black lung disease

Medical Definition

black lung

noun
: pneumoconiosis caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust

called also black lung disease

compare silicosis

More from Merriam-Webster on black lung

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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