Lung

/lʌŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A pair of spongy, air-filled organs located in the thoracic cavity, responsible for breathing and gas exchange in mammals.

The doctor checked her lung function with a series of breathing tests.

One of the two respiratory organs that allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

He developed pneumonia in his left lung.

An organ necessary for respiration, typically found in vertebrates.

The lung capacity of athletes is often greater than that of non-athletes.

Old English 'lunga', probably from Proto-Germanic 'lungwō', meaning 'lung, breath'.

lung cancer

A type of cancer that begins in the lungs.

lung capacity

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold.

lungs of the earth

A phrase referring to forests that produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

breath

The air that is taken into or expelled from the lungs.

respiration

The process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

Lung butter

His cough sounded like he was producing lung butter.

Someone with unhealthy lungs (often due to smoking)

You don't want to end up like an old-time smoker – that's a lung case.