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 Along with emphysema, chronic bronchitis is considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 The results help doctors diagnose diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, assess severity of those conditions and monitor declines in lung function. Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 Jackie Martin of Canton, North Carolina, relies on supplemental oxygen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Kim Dinan, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024 The infections can cause asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or congestive heart failure to get worse. Korin Miller, Health, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Cite this Entry

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease. Accessed 5 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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