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

Long-term exposure to it can cause chronic and progressive lung diseases including silicosis, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. —Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Lynda Obst, a veteran Hollywood producer behind such films as Sleepless in Seattle, The Fisher King, and Interstellar, died on Oct. 22, following a bout with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Obst had previously been open about suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024

Along with emphysema, chronic bronchitis is considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 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