silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs 

: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts

silicotic

ˌsi-lə-ˈkä-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Doctors have raised alarms as young workers have been afflicted with silicosis, a deadly illness caused by inhaling particles of crystalline silica. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

Researchers estimated that 100,000 workers in the U.S. are potentially at risk of silicosis due to exposure to silica dust. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Engineered stone high in crystalline silica, which can damage the lungs when inhaled, has faced growing scrutiny as countertop cutters have grown ill and died from silicosis. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs 

: a serious lung disease that is characterized by scar tissue in the lungs and shortness of breath and is caused by inhaling silica dusts for a long time

Medical Definition

silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs 

plural silicoses -ˌsēz 

: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts compare black lung, pneumoconiosis