lung

[ luhng ]

noun

1. either of the two saclike respiratory organs in the thorax of humans and the higher vertebrates.
2. an analogous organ in certain invertebrates, as arachnids or terrestrial gastropods.

lung

/ lʌŋ /

noun

1. either one of a pair of spongy saclike respiratory organs within the thorax of higher vertebrates, which oxygenate the blood and remove its carbon dioxide
2. any similar or analogous organ in other vertebrates or in invertebrates
3. at the top of one's lungs
   in one's loudest voice; yelling

lung

/ lŭng /

1. Either of two spongy organs in the chest of air-breathing vertebrate animals that serve as the organs of gas exchange. Blood flowing through the lungs picks up oxygen from inhaled air and releases carbon dioxide, which is exhaled. Air enters and leaves the lungs through the bronchial tubes.
2. A similar organ found in some invertebrates.

Other Words From

• lunged [luhngd], adjective
• half-lunged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lung¹

before 1000; Middle English lungen, Old English; cognate with German Lunge; akin to light ², lights

Word History and Origins

Origin of lung¹

Old English lungen; related to Old High German lungun lung. Compare lights ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at the top of one's lungs, as loudly as possible; with full voice:

   The baby cried at the top of his lungs.

More idioms and phrases containing lung

see at the top of one's lungs .

Example Sentences

"This is significant, because inflammation can lead to reduced lung function in these patients," he says.

From Science Daily

Hazardous smoke particles can cause or exacerbate heart and lung diseases miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

It can lead to lung injury, coma and death within seconds when consumed in large amounts, but even small doses can still be very harmful.

From BBC

Oz, 64, trained as a cardiothoracic surgeon – specialising in operations on the heart and lungs – and worked at New York City’s Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University.

From BBC

Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood as well as it should, resulting in decreased blood flow to organs and fluid buildup in the lungs and other tissues.

From Science Daily