pneumoconiosis

[ noo-muh-koh-nee-oh-sis, nyoo- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any chronic lung disease, including anthracosis, asbestosis, and silicosis, caused by the inhalation of particles of coal, asbestos, silica, or similar substances and leading to fibrosis and loss of lung function.

pneumoconiosis

/ ˌnjuːmənəʊˌkəʊnɪˈəʊsɪs; ˌnjuːməʊˌkəʊnɪˈəʊsɪs /

noun

1. any disease of the lungs or bronchi caused by the inhalation of metallic or mineral particles: characterized by inflammation, cough, and fibrosis

pneumoconiosis

/ no̅o̅′mō-kō′nē-ō′sĭs /

1. A disease of the lungs, such as asbestosis or black lung, caused by chronic inhalation of especially mineral or metallic dust.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pneumoconiosis¹

First recorded in 1880–85; syncopated variant of pneumonoconiosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of pneumoconiosis¹

C19: shortened from pneumonoconiosis, from pneumo- + -coniosis, from Greek konis dust

Example Sentences

The increased drilling generates deadly silica dust and has caused severe forms of pneumoconiosis, better known as black lung disease, even among younger miners, some in their 30s and 40s.

From Seattle Times

Black lung disease, formally known as pneumoconiosis, is a horrible condition caused by inhaling coal dust.

From BBC

Silicosis, commonly referred to as black lung, is an occupational pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust present in minerals like sandstone.

From Seattle Times

The inaction since - fueled by denials and lobbying from coal and other industries - has contributed to the premature deaths of thousands of miners from pneumoconiosis, more commonly known as “black lung.”

From Washington Times

“Nobody should be dying because of a job they have,” United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts said while talking about premature deaths of thousands from pneumoconiosis, or “ black lung.”

From Seattle Times