Definition of emphysema

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< emphatic

empire >

em·phy·se·ma    (mf-sm, -z-) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A pathological condition of the lungs marked by an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection. It can be caused by irreversible expansion of the alveoli or by the destruction of alveolar walls.
2. An abnormal distention of body tissues caused by retention of air.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek emphsma, inflation, from emphsn, to blow in : en-, in ; see en-² + phsn, to blow (from phsa, bellows, bladder)

OTHER FORMS:
emphy·sema·tous  (-sm-ts, -sm-, -zm-, -zm-) KEY (Adjective), emphy·semic(Adjective)(Noun)