emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə 
-ˈsē-
-ˈsē- : a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues
specifically : a condition of the lung marked by abnormal enlargement of the alveoli with loss of pulmonary elasticity that is characterized especially by shortness of breath and may lead to impairment of heart action
emphysematous
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈze-mə-təs
adjective -ˈse-
-ˈzē-
-ˈsē-
emphysemic
ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mik
adjective -ˈsē-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, in January 1966, when Victor was 60 and beset by cataracts, a double hernia, shingles and emphysema, 15-year-old Andrew ignored him, as did Tony. 
Bill Donahue, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2022 Young children, the elderly and others who have respiratory issues — such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema — are more vulnerable to ozone’s effects. Elena Bruess, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Oct. 2021 Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen. Cullen Murphy, Vanities, 9 Aug. 2017 People with asthma, emphysema and other lung ailments should keep necessary and recommended medications at hand. Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, 3 Aug. 2017 Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause decreased lung function, as well as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer. Cincinnati.com, 2 Aug. 2017 The fawn was transported to the Star Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center, where it is currently being treated for subcutaneous emphysema, a condition in which air gets trapped under the skin. Lindsey Bever, chicagotribune.com, 18 July 2017 In addition to preventing lung diseases including cancer, emphysema, and chronic breathing problems, smoking increases your risk of colorectal cancer, which is more common in men. George James, Philly.com, 16 June 2017 See More
Bill Donahue, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2022 Young children, the elderly and others who have respiratory issues — such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema — are more vulnerable to ozone’s effects. Elena Bruess, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Oct. 2021 Joan suffered from emphysema and moved about the house on a motorized scooter, hooked up to a tank of oxygen. Cullen Murphy, Vanities, 9 Aug. 2017 People with asthma, emphysema and other lung ailments should keep necessary and recommended medications at hand. Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, 3 Aug. 2017 Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause decreased lung function, as well as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer. Cincinnati.com, 2 Aug. 2017 The fawn was transported to the Star Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center, where it is currently being treated for subcutaneous emphysema, a condition in which air gets trapped under the skin. Lindsey Bever, chicagotribune.com, 18 July 2017 In addition to preventing lung diseases including cancer, emphysema, and chronic breathing problems, smoking increases your risk of colorectal cancer, which is more common in men. George James, Philly.com, 16 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek emphysēma, from emphysan to inflate, from em- en- entry 2 + physan to blow, from physa breath — more at pustule
First Known Use
circa 1587, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma ˌem-fə-ˈzē-mə
-ˈsē-mə
: a disease in which the lungs become stretched and inefficient
Medical Definition
emphysema
noun
em·phy·se·ma ˌem(p)-fə-ˈzē-mə -ˈsē-
-ˈsē- : a condition characterized by air-filled expansions in interstitial or subcutaneous tissues
specifically : a condition of the lung that is marked by distension and eventual rupture of the alveoli with progressive loss of pulmonary elasticity, that is accompanied by shortness of breath with or without cough, and that may lead to impairment of heart action