Definition of atelectasis

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atelier >

at·e·lec·ta·sis    (tl-kt-ss) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. at·e·lec·ta·ses  (-sz) KEY 

1. Total or partial collapse of the lung.
2. A congenital condition characterized by the incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth.

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ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin : Greek atels, incomplete ( a-, not; see a-¹ + telos, end; see telo-) + Greek ektasis, stretching out (from ekteinein, to stretch out : ek-, out; see ecto- + teinein, to stretch; see epitasis)