ETYM New Lat., from Greek emphysan to inflate; en in + physan to blow: cf. French emphysčme.
An abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age; SYN. pulmonary emphysema.
Incurable lung condition characterized by disabling breathlessness. Progressive loss of the thin walls dividing the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs reduces the area available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, causing the lung tissue to expand. The term “emphysema” can also refer to the presence of air in other body tissues.
Medicine, swollen state of tissue due to air or gas, especially in lungs. + prikaži više