Definition

A serious lung condition where the air sacs in the lungs become enlarged and lose their elasticity, making it hard to breathe and increasing the risk of infections.

Example

The doctor diagnosed him with emphysema after he complained of persistent shortness of breath.

Conversation

Have you heard about my neighbor's health issues?

No, what happened?

He was diagnosed with emphysema, and it's been tough for him.

That sounds really serious; I hope he gets the help he needs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Emphysema** → It is formed from "em-" (meaning in or into) and "physema" (from Greek *physan*, meaning to blow or inflate). The word describes a condition where air is trapped in the lungs, causing them to inflate abnormally.

Memory Tip

Think of air being 'blown into' ('physema') the lungs, which helps you remember that emphysema is a condition where the lungs are inflated with trapped air.

Visually Confused Words