silicosis

noun

sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsi-lə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts
silicotic
ˌsi-lə-ˈkä-tik How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of silicosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After about a decade, he was diagnosed with silicosis. — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 18 May 2026 The workers inhale these particles, and many develop a severe and rapidly progressive form of silicosis. — David Michaels, Fortune, 21 June 2026 González, who was diagnosed with silicosis in 2023, is not alone in dealing with a disease that once was associated with miners at the end of long careers. — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 Ruby Lopez, whose husband Mynor Lopez contracted silicosis from fabricating quartz countertops, took aim at the industry during Thursday’s hearing. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for silicosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from silica + -osis

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicosis was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Silicon Valley
silicosis
silicothermic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silicosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicosis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

silicosis

noun
sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: a serious lung disease that is characterized by scar tissue in the lungs and shortness of breath and is caused by inhaling silica dusts for a long time

Medical Definition

silicosis

noun
sil·​i·​co·​sis ˌsil-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
plural silicoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce silicosis (audio)
: pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts compare black lung, pneumoconiosis

More from Merriam-Webster on silicosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silicosis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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