atelectasis

noun at·el·ec·ta·sis \ˌa-tə-ˈlek-tə-səs\

plural at·el·ec·ta·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of ATELECTASIS

: collapse of the expanded lung; also : defective expansion of the pulmonary alveoli at birth

Origin of ATELECTASIS

New Latin, from Greek atelēs incomplete, defective (from a- ²a- + telos end) + ektasis extension, from ekteinein to stretch out, from ex- + teinein to stretch — more at telos, thin

First Known Use: 1859

Medical Dictionary

atelectasis

noun at·el·ec·ta·sis \ˌat-^əl-ˈek-tə-səs\

plural at·el·ec·ta·ses \-ˌsēz\

Medical Definition of ATELECTASIS

: collapse of the expanded lung; also : defective expansion of the pulmonary alveoli at birth

—at·el·ec·tat·ic \-ek-ˈtat-ik\ adjective

Learn More About ATELECTASIS

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "atelectasis"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: AtelesPrevious Word in the Dictionary: atefAll Words Near: atelectasis

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up atelectasis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More