emphysema
UK: ˌemfɪˈsiːmə | US: ˌemfəˈsiːmə
n. A medical condition characterized by abnormal air-filled spaces in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.
emphysema = em<in> + phys<blow> + ema<condition>
- em<in>: Prefix from Greek en-, meaning "in" or "inside."
- phys<blow>: Root from Greek physa, meaning "blow" or "inflate."
- ema<condition>: Suffix from Greek -ema, denoting a pathological condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word emphysema originates from Greek emphysan ("to inflate"), combining en- (in) + physa (blow). It entered medical Latin as emphysema to describe abnormal inflation of tissues, particularly the lungs. The term reflects the disease's hallmark feature: air trapped in lung tissue, causing overinflation and impaired function.
Chronic smoking can lead to emphysema, severely damaging lung function.
The patient was diagnosed with advanced emphysema and prescribed oxygen therapy.
Emphysema is often associated with long-term exposure to air pollutants.
Doctors use CT scans to assess the severity of emphysema.
Early symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath during physical activity.