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Definition

noun, plural: pneumoconioses

A disease of the lungs characterized by lung fibrosis and possible loss of lung function, as caused by repeated inhalation of particulate matter, especially mineral or metallic dust particles.

Supplement

Examples of the various types of pneumoconiosis based on dust exposures are:

• coalworkers pneumoconiosis - coal dust
• asbestosis - asbestos dust
• silicosis - silica dust
• berylliosis - beryllium dust
• siderosis - iron dust

Word origin: pneumo- + Greek konis, koniā, dust + -osis.

Variant: pneumonoconiosis.

Synonyms: anthracotic tuberculosis

See also: anthracosis.