Meaning & Definition of word "Pneumonia"
Pneumonia
/njuːˈmoʊ.njə/
noun:
- 1. 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.
- Example: The doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia after she visited the clinic complaining of a persistent cough and fever.
- 2. A condition that affects the lungs and leads to difficulty in breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the body.
- Example: He had to be hospitalized for pneumonia because his oxygen levels were critically low.
- 3. An infectious disease that can be severe and requires medical treatment, often requiring antibiotics or antiviral medications depending on the cause.
- Example: During the winter months, cases of pneumonia tend to increase due to the spread of respiratory viruses.
- 4. An inflammation of the lung parenchyma, which may be caused by various pathogens or irritants.
- Example: 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 of pneumonia
Meaning: The illness causing intense coughing.
● Example Sentence: I can't go out; I'm dealing with a bad case of 'the pneumonia' right now.
Meaning: A severe respiratory illness.
● Example Sentence: That winter sickness went around like 'pneumonia' in a cold snap.