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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Presently, the most common respiratory ailments in Gaza are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung cancer. Lesley Joseph, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025 Topping the list of chronic diseases are heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 For example, eight out of 10 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are in people who smoke.11 COPD leads to limited airflow due to damage and inflammation to the lungs. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025 The American Lung Association specifically recommends that high-risk adults, including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), get vaccinated against pertussis. Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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

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