atelectasis

[ at-l-ek-tuh-sis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pathology.

incomplete expansion of the lungs at birth, as from lack of breathing force.
collapse of the lungs, as from bronchial obstruction.

atelectasis

/ ˌætəˈlɛktəsɪs /

noun

failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth
collapse of the lung or a part of the lung, usually caused by bronchial obstruction

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Other Words From

at·e·lec·tat·ic [at-l-ek-, tat, -ik], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

1855–60; < New Latin; ateliosis + Greek éktasis a stretching out, equivalent to ek- ec- + ta-, variant stem of teínein to stretch + -sis -sis

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Word History and Origins

Origin of atelectasis¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek atelēs imperfect + ektasis extension

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Compare Meanings

How does atelectasis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

atelectasis vs. pneumonia

atef-crown atelier

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