pneumothorax

[ noo-muh-thawr-aks, -thohr-, nyoo- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.

pneumothorax

/ ˌnjuːməʊˈθɔːræks /

noun

1. the abnormal presence of air between the lung and the wall of the chest (pleural cavity), resulting in collapse of the lung
2. med the introduction of air into the pleural cavity to collapse the lung: a former treatment for tuberculosis

pneumothorax

/ no̅o̅′mō-thôr′ăks′ /

1. Accumulation of a gas, such as air, in the space between the pleurae of the lungs and the pleurae lining the chest wall (called the pleural cavity), occurring as a result of disease or injury or induced to collapse the lung in the treatment of tuberculosis and other lung diseases. A large pneumothorax is treated by inserting a syringe or a tube into the pleural cavity to aspirate air, which helps the collapsed lung to expand.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pneumothorax¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; pneumo-, thorax

Example Sentences

This condition is known as pneumothorax and may result in collapse of the lung.

From Project Gutenberg

An accumulation of gas in the pleural sac is known as pneumothorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Pyo-pneumothorax, abscess, and gangrene of the lung may result from perforation of the pleura or of the lung by gastric cancer.

From Project Gutenberg