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 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 In California, health officials have confirmed 180 cases of silicosis among countertop cutters in less than six years, resulting in at least 13 deaths. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 Overexposure can lead to silicosis, which can be deadly, and other respiratory illnesses. Matthew Dolan, Detroit Free Press, 7 Oct. 2024 Silica particles can end up in the air and be inhaled, which is what may cause silicosis, a type of pulmonary fibrosis. Devika Rao, theweek, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for silicosis 

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

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 5 Nov. 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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