asthma

asth-ma · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A chronic respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    asthma attack — an acute episode of asthma symptoms
  • •
    asthma inhaler — a device for delivering asthma medication
  • •
    exercise-induced asthma — asthma triggered by physical activity

Related words

See also: allergy, bronchitis, respiratory

Etymology

From Greek asthma ("panting, shortness of breath"), from azein ("to breathe hard").