black lung
noun
pneumoconiosis of coal miners, caused by coal dust; anthracosis.
Origin of black lung
First recorded in 1905–10
Words nearby black lung
black liquor,
black list,
black lives matter,
black locust,
black look,
black lung,
black magic,
black maire,
black maple,
black margate,
black maria
British Dictionary definitions for black lung
Medical definitions for black lung
black lung
n.
A form of pneumoconiosis common in coal miners, characterized by the deposit of carbon particles in the lungs.
Scientific definitions for black lung
black lung
An occupational disease of coal miners caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust, characterized by the presence of coal around the bronchioles on x-ray images. Most patients develop no symptoms, but a few advance to progressive obstruction of the airways and destruction of lung tissue with accompanying shortness of breath and eventual respiratory disability.
Cultural definitions for black lung
black lung
A chronic disease of the lungs caused by inhaling coal dust over long periods. Common among coal miners, black lung is an example of an occupational disease.