emphysema

Meanings

1. An abnormal accumulation of air or other gas in tissues, most commonly the lungs.
2. Ellipsis of pulmonary emphysema, a chronic lung disease, one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Etymology

Multiple origins. Partially from post-Classical Latin emphȳsēma (“swelling”), from Ancient Greek ἐμφῡ́σημα (emphū́sēma), from ἐμφῡσάω (emphūsáō, “to puff up”). Also borrowed from Middle French emphysema, from the same Latin source; compare French emphysème. Attested from the late 16th century.