lung
noun
\ ˈləŋ
\
\
Definition of lung
1a
: one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2a
: a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface
b
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator — compare iron lung
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Other Words from lung
lungful
\ ˈləŋ-ˌfu̇l
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of lung in a Sentence
He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.
Recent Examples on the Web
Air pollution also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. — Jen Christensen, CNN, "Air pollution can kill, even when it meets air quality guidelines, study finds," 21 Aug. 2019 Her daughter, Jane Gish, said the cause was lung cancer. — Adriana Balsamo, New York Times, "Ann Gish Phillips Dies at 70; Designed and Sold Luxury Bedding," 21 Aug. 2019 The World Health Organization links it to deadly diseases like lung cancer and stroke, and new research suggests that polluted regions see more cases of neurological disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. — National Geographic, "Air pollution linked to bipolar disorder, depression," 20 Aug. 2019 Detroit Lions defensive tackle Kevin Strong is inspired by his father's battle with lung cancer. — Evan Hilbert, USA TODAY, "He was a five-star recruit and an NFL prospect. Now he's in prison," 18 Aug. 2019 Their struggles began in 2017 with Ami's lung cancer diagnosis, which forced the stars of Alaskan Bush People to leave their home and permanently relocate to Washington. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'Alaskan Bush People' Star Rain Brown Admits Her 'New Life' Has Been ‘Very Challenging’," 18 Aug. 2019 His cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer, the family said. — CBS News, "Peter Fonda, "Easy Rider" star and part of Fonda acting dynasty, has died at 79," 16 Aug. 2019 Cutting out smoking can have a wide range of benefits, including lowering your blood pressure, improving circulation and energy levels, and drastically reducing your risk of health issues like heart disease and lung cancer, per the NIH. — Amber Brenza, Health.com, "Halsey Says She Quit Smoking After 10 Years—and 'Gained a Lot of Weight'," 16 Aug. 2019 The cause of death was given as respiratory failure due to lung cancer. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, "Peter Fonda, the ‘Easy Rider’ star and counterculture icon, has died at 79," 16 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lung.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for lung
lung
noun
English Language Learners Definition of lung
: either one of the two organs that people and animals use to breathe air
See the full definition for lung in the English Language Learners Dictionary
lung
noun
\ ˈləŋ
\
\
Kids Definition of lung
: either of two organs in the chest that are like bags and are the main breathing structure in animals that breathe air
lung
noun
\ ˈləŋ
\
\
Medical Definition of lung
1a
: one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lungs : respirator — see iron lung
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