Pneumonia

/njuːˈmoʊ.njə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A serious lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue and often resulting in cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

The doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia after she visited the clinic complaining of a persistent cough and fever.

A condition that affects the lungs and leads to difficulty in breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the body.

He had to be hospitalized for pneumonia because his oxygen levels were critically low.

An infectious disease that can be severe and requires medical treatment, often requiring antibiotics or antiviral medications depending on the cause.

During the winter months, cases of pneumonia tend to increase due to the spread of respiratory viruses.

An inflammation of the lung parenchyma, which may be caused by various pathogens or irritants.

After struggling with pneumonia for weeks, she finally felt well enough to return to her normal activities.

Etymology

From modern Latin 'pneumonia', from Greek 'pneumon', meaning 'lung'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

walking pneumonia

A mild form of pneumonia that can be treated without hospitalization.

pneumonia vaccine

A vaccine used to prevent certain types of pneumonia.

viral pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by viruses rather than bacteria.

Related Words

aspiration pneumonia

A type of pneumonia that occurs when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs.

lobar pneumonia

Pneumonia that affects a large and continuous area of the lobe of a lung.

bacterial pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection.

Slang Meanings

The illness causing intense coughing.

I can't go out; I'm dealing with a bad case of 'the pneumonia' right now.

A severe respiratory illness.

That winter sickness went around like 'pneumonia' in a cold snap.