emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə  -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

emphysematous

ˌem(p)-fə-ˈze-mə-təs  -ˈse-  -ˈzē-  -ˈsē- 

adjective

emphysemic

ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mik  -ˈsē- 

adjective

Examples of emphysema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lynch revealed last year that he’d been diagnosed with emphysema and needed to rely on supplemental oxygen after having been a smoker since the age of 8. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025

The visionary behind Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, and Blue Velvet passed away following last year’s reveal of his emphysema diagnosis. —Callum Booth, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

At the end of his life, Lynch, diagnosed with emphysema from decades of smoking cigarettes, told press his world had shrunk, unwilling to risk developing COVID from a society refusing to mask. —Lex McMenamin, Them, 16 Jan. 2025

Patients with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, are at higher risk of severe outcomes. —Stephanie Nolen, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- en- entry 2 + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

emphysema

noun

em·​phy·​se·​ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə  -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- 

: 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

emphysematous

-ˈzem-ət-əs  -ˈsem-  -ˈzēm-  -ˈsēm- 

adjective

emphysemic

-ˈzē-mik  -ˈsē- 

adjective