cystic fibrosis

noun

, Pathology.

1. a hereditary chronic disease of the exocrine glands, characterized by the production of viscid mucus that obstructs the pancreatic ducts and bronchi, leading to infection and fibrosis.

cystic fibrosis

noun

1. an inheritable disease of the exocrine glands, controlled by a recessive gene: affected children inherit defective alleles from both parents. It is characterized by chronic infection of the respiratory tract and by pancreatic insufficiency

cystic fibrosis

/ sĭs′tĭkfī-brō′sĭs /

1. An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands, usually developing during early childhood and affecting mainly the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands. It is marked by the production of abnormally thick mucus by the affected glands, usually resulting in chronic respiratory infections and impaired pancreatic function.

cystic fibrosis

1. A congenital and chronic disease that affects certain glands in the body, particularly the sweat glands , the pancreas , and the glands in the mucous membranes of the respiratory system . Cystic fibrosis causes recurring respiratory disorders ( see respiration ) and interferes with the production of enzymes by the pancreas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cystic fibrosis¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Instead the Human Cell Atlas project has revealed there are thousands of cell types, with some appearing to be culprits in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis.

From BBC

There are more than 500 people living with cystic fibrosis in Northern Ireland.

From BBC

She says it has meant treatments for conditions like cystic fibrosis and hepatitis B are getting NHS funding.

From BBC

At present, newborns are given a heelprick blood test that checks for nine serious conditions, including cystic fibrosis.

From BBC

Like Ms Bones, Mr Horwood also said his cystic fibrosis could get worse.

From BBC