atelectasis

noun

at·el·ec·ta·sis ˌa-tə-ˈlek-tə-səs

plural atelectases ˌa-tə-ˈlek-tə-ˌsēz

: collapse of the expanded lung

also : defective expansion of the pulmonary alveoli at birth

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (in the phrase atelectasis pulmonum "incomplete dilatation of the lungs"), from Greek atelḗs "incomplete, unsuccessful" (from a- a- entry 2 + -telēs, adjective derivative of télos "fulfillment, completion, goal") + New Latin ectasis "expansion of a hollow or tubular organ, dilatation," borrowed from Greek éktasis "stretching out, extension" (action noun from ekteínein "to stretch out, extend"), from ek- ec- + tásis "stretching, tension" — more at telos, tenant entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by the German physician Eduard Jörg in De morbo pulmonum organico ex respiratione neonatorum imperfecta orto (Leipzig, 1832).

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of atelectasis was in 1837

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Atelectasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atelectasis. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

atelectasis

noun

at·el·ec·ta·sis ˌat-ᵊl-ˈek-tə-səs

plural atelectases -ˌsēz

: collapse of the expanded lung

also : defective expansion of the pulmonary alveoli at birth

atelectatic

-ek-ˈtat-ik

adjective

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atelectasis

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near atelectasis

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition