pleurisy

noun

pleu·​ri·​sy ˈplu̇r-ə-sē 

: inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity

pleuritic

plu̇-ˈri-tik 

adjective

Examples of pleurisy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the collapsed lung, Ware has been to the emergency room several more times and been diagnosed with pleurisy, a condition in which the linings of the lungs become inflamed. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2019

Franklin died in 1790 of pleurisy, a painful inflammation of the tissue lining the lungs and chest. —Philly.com, 8 Oct. 2017

Together, Amanda and her son, Tom (Joe Mantello), look after her daughter, Laura, a painfully shy young woman made ill by pleurisy as a teen-ager. —The New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2017

Together, Amanda and Tom look after Tom’s sister, Laura (Madison Ferris), a painfully shy young woman whose bout of pleurisy as a teen-ager has left her with a limp. —Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pleuresi, from Anglo-French pleuresie, from Late Latin pleurisis, alteration of Latin pleuritis, from Greek, from pleura side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pleurisy

noun

pleu·​ri·​sy ˈplu̇r-ə-sē 

: inflammation of the pleura usually with fever, painful breathing, and coughing

Medical Definition

pleurisy

noun

pleu·​ri·​sy ˈplu̇r-ə-sē 

plural pleurisies

: inflammation of the pleura that is typically characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration, and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity

called also pleuritis

see dry pleurisy, wet pleurisy