silicosis

[ sil-i-koh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease of the lungs caused by the inhaling of siliceous particles, as by stonecutters.

silicosis

/ ˌsɪlɪˈkəʊsɪs /

noun

1. pathol a form of pneumoconiosis caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica, quartz, or slate, and characterized by shortness of breath and fibrotic changes in the tissues of the lungs

Other Words From

• sil·i·cot·ic [sil-i-, kot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicosis¹

First recorded in 1890–95; silic(a) + -osis

Example Sentences

Those most at risk of developing silicosis have inhaled large amounts of silica dust over a period of years.

From BBC

In California, health officials have confirmed 180 cases of silicosis among countertop cutters in less than six years, resulting in at least 13 deaths.

From Los Angeles Times

County jurors decided largely in favor of a man with silicosis who had to undergo a double lung transplant after years of cutting engineered stone countertops.

From Los Angeles Times

Reyes Gonzalez is among scores of California countertop cutters who have sued companies like Caesarstone and Cambria after falling ill with silicosis, which is caused by inhaling tiny particles of crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

As California sees surging numbers of young workers suffering from silicosis, many have had trouble tapping workers’ compensation.

From Los Angeles Times