silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts
silicotic adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis 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.
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 See all Example Sentences for silicosis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicosis was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near silicosis

Cite this Entry

“Silicosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicosis. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

silicosis

noun
sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
plural silicoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on silicosis

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