Noun: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- A nonreversible lung disease that is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis; usually patients have been heavy cigarette smokers
"His chronic obstructive pulmonary disease made it difficult to climb stairs";
- COPD
Derived forms: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
Type of: chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary emphysema
Encyclopedia: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease