Coughing: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ท
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coughing

 

[ หˆkษ”fษชล‹ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

health issue

Coughing is a reflex action that clears the airways of mucus and irritants. It can be a symptom of various conditions, ranging from allergies to infections like the common cold or flu. While usually temporary and not a cause for concern, persistent coughing may indicate a more serious health issue that requires medical attention. Coughing can also serve as a means to communicate a person's discomfort or illness.

Synonyms

choke, clear one's throat, splutter.

Examples of usage

  • She was coughing throughout the night.
  • His coughing was due to the dusty environment.
  • Coughing can be contagious if caused by an infection.
  • The child started coughing after inhaling smoke.
Context #2 | Noun

health symptom

Coughing is the act of expelling air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound. It is often classified based on its duration as acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute coughs last fewer than three weeks and are often associated with upper respiratory infections. Chronic coughs, lasting longer than eight weeks, may require medical intervention to determine the underlying cause.

Synonyms

bark, hack, whoop.

Examples of usage

  • The persistent cough is often a sign of an underlying condition.
  • He was diagnosed with a chronic cough.
  • Her cough is dry, without mucus production.
  • Coughing can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "coughing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tosse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เคพเค‚เคธเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Husten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ batuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะฐัˆะตะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kaszel

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ’ณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท toux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถksรผrรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐ์นจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุนุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kaลกel

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kaลกeฤพ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ’ณๅ—ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kaลกelj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรณstun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถำฉั‚ะตะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถskรผrษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tos

Etymology

The word 'cough' originates from the Old English word 'cohhan', which is thought to be imitative of the sound made when one coughs. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as 'kวซf' in Old Norse and 'kuf' in Middle Dutch. The usage of the term has evolved over centuries, where initial references were primarily centered on the action itself. By the late Middle Ages, it encompassed various related medical descriptions. The formalization of terminology pertaining to health and medicine in English during the Renaissance period solidified its place in medical vocabulary, expanding its use in both colloquial and clinical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,941, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.