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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
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Word History
First Known Use
1967, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was
in 1967
Dictionary Entries Near chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cite this Entry
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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