Definition

A serious illness that affects the lungs, causing inflammation and making it hard to breathe. It can be caused by infections from germs like bacteria or viruses.

Example

After catching a cold, she developed pneumonia and had to stay in the hospital for treatment.

Conversation

Have you heard about Sam's health?

Yeah, I think he got diagnosed with pneumonia last week.

That's really concerning; I hope he recovers quickly.

Me too! It sounds like a tough illness to deal with.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pneumonia → It is formed from "pneumon" (from Greek πνεύμων, meaning lung) and the suffix "-ia" (indicating a condition or disease). The word "pneumonia" refers to a condition affecting the lungs.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for lung, 'pneumon', to remember that pneumonia is a disease related to the lungs.

Visually Confused Words