asthma

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin

Etymology

From Middle English asma, asme, from Medieval Latin asthma, asma, from Ancient Greek ἆσθμα (âsthma, “laborious breathing, asthma”). The spelling was changed to add -th- in the 16th century to match the Greek etymological roots.

In classic literature

Synonyms

asthma attack, bronchial asthma

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