Lung Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŦ
lung
[lĘÅ ]
Definitions
human anatomy
Each of the two organs situated in the rib cage, consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which air is drawn, so that oxygen can pass into the blood and carbon dioxide be removed.
Synonyms
pulmonary organ, respiratory organ.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lung |
Commonly used in casual or everyday conversations about the respiratory system or health.
|
Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with a severe infection in her left lung.
- He had trouble breathing due to a collapsed lung.
- The doctor examined her lungs using a stethoscope.
botany
The side of a penny or other coin that does not have the main design on it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lung |
As already explained, use this word to refer to either of the two organs for breathing.
|
| tails |
This word is used in different contexts. Often, it refers to the rear appendage of an animal or can be used in games of chance to indicate the back side of a coin.
|
| back side |
This term is casual and can be used to refer to the rear part of anything, including a body, an area, or an object.
|
Examples of usage
- The coin landed on tails instead of heads.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- The average adult lung has a surface area about the size of a tennis court, allowing for efficient gas exchange.
- Lungs are vital for respiration, which is the process of taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
Health
- Smoking and pollution can damage lung tissue, leading to diseases such as asthma and lung cancer.
- Regular exercise can enhance lung capacity and overall health, improving how efficiently they work.
Culture
- In many cultures, singing is believed to help strengthen the lungs, as it requires deep breathing and control.
- The importance of lung health has inspired awareness campaigns, highlighting activities like yoga for better breathing.
Science
- Lungs are part of the respiratory system, which works with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen to the body's cells.
- During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air.
Origin of 'lung'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'lung' comes from the Old English 'lunge', which means 'light' â a reference to their spongy texture.
- In Latin, the lungs were called 'pulmones', emphasizing their role in breathing.
The word 'lung' originated from the Old English 'lungen', which meant 'the light spongy body which fills most of the cavity of the chest'. The word has been used to refer to the respiratory organs of humans and animals since the early Middle English period. In botany, 'lung' has been used to describe the back side of coins since the 18th century.
See also: lunge.