Clinical Diagnosis · Respiratory System · Hard

Pneumoconiosis

Meaning: A group of lung diseases caused by inhaling mineral or industrial dust, leading to lung scarring.

In practice: Coal workers' pneumoconiosis was common among miners in the past.

Word parts

  • pneumo- means lung or air
  • -osis means an abnormal condition or process

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: Inflammation of the voice box causing a hoarse or lost voice.

Which word means: Low-pitched, rattling or snoring sounds heard through a stethoscope, caused by secretions in larger airways.

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Related words

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