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

She developed a pneumothorax — air trapped between the lung and chest wall — on each side.

From Seattle Times

Her mother said Chandler was admitted to the hospital Jan. 14, and developed pneumonia and a pneumothorax, or punctured lung, a known COVID-19 complication.

From Seattle Times

Not very often, but occasionally, we accidentally poke a hole in the lung, causing what is called a pneumothorax.

From Scientific American

A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air gets into the chest cavity.

From Seattle Times

A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, occurs when air gets into the chest cavity.

From Washington Times