pulmonary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pulmonary" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means relating to, or affecting the lungs. For example, "The patient has a pulmonary disorder, so she must take special care of her lungs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He lives alone and has been off alcohol for two weeks, although has suffered from alcohol dependence for almost 30 years and has had five visits to A&E in the past year – the most recent being for a pulmonary embolism.

The Guardian

Previously, she was off the Tour for 17 months after suffering a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, before returning in triumph at Wimbledon to lift her fifth title there.

The Guardian - Sport

At least two other workers at the site have developed pulmonary anthrax.In the past few days, the nature of the current bioterrorist threat appears to have changed.

The Economist

The nanoparticle's outer scaffold mimics the properties of the substances, known as pulmonary surfactants, whose low surface tension keeps the tiny air sacs in the lungs open, thus preventing the airways from collapsing.

The Economist

These include pulmonary hypertension, an otherwise incurable disease in which thickened arteries obstruct the flow of blood, leading to heart failure.

The Economist

In the 1918 virus, for example, a particular version of the gene that encodes a protein called haemagglutinin, which is found in the virus's outer coating, was essential for the development of severe pulmonary disease.Work on the genetics of influenza is important for many reasons.

The Economist

Liat Ben-Zur of Philips says the company is working with some European hospitals on a home device that will track the heart rate, blood pressure, heart variability and sleep patterns for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Economist

But since Mr Bush's reassurance, the contamination has continued to spread.On October 28th, a postal worker in New Jersey was confirmed as suffering from the pulmonary form of anthrax, bringing to eight the number of such cases, caused by inhalation of the bacteria.

The Economist

But since Mr Bush's reassurance, the contamination has continued to spread, with several new cases of human infection.On October 28th, a postal worker in New Jersey was confirmed as suffering from the pulmonary form of anthrax, bringing to eight the number of such cases, caused by inhalation of the bacteria.

The Economist

The 92-year-old national icon was in "high spirits" following treatment for an acute pulmonary infection and has now been discharged from hospital.

The Economist

Over his career, his 35 broken bones made the Guinness Book of Records; his body rattled with pins and plates, and it seemed preposterous that he should have died in his bed, of pulmonary fibrosis.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about lung-related conditions, ensure you choose the most precise term. Use "pulmonary" for medical or technical contexts, while "lung-related" might suit general audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "pulmonary" when you mean "cardiac". "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs, while "cardiac" refers to the heart. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "pulmonary" primarily functions to modify nouns, specifying that they are related to the lungs. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where "pulmonary" qualifies medical terms like "embolism", "hypertension", and "disease", indicating a direct relationship with the lungs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pulmonary" is a frequently used adjective referring to the lungs. It is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, encyclopedia articles, and scientific publications. While simple, use in the correct contexts is important to avoid any confusion, in formal or medical contexts where precision is important. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term sees frequent usage across a wide array of medical topics, making it an important term to understand for anyone in the medical profession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pneumonic

Synonym that relates to or affects the lungs, similar to pulmonary.

respiratory

A broader term encompassing all aspects of breathing and the respiratory system.

lung-related

Focuses on the connection to the lung, replacing the medical term with a more general descriptor.

affecting the lungs

Highlights the impact on the lungs, shifting the focus to the effect.

related to the lungs

Expands the term into a descriptive phrase, making it more accessible.

lung

Refers to the lung itself, offering a more direct noun form instead of an adjective.

thoracic

Relates to the chest cavity, which contains the lungs; a broader anatomical term.

bronchial

Specifically relates to the bronchi, the major air passages of the lungs.

pleural

Relates to the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs.

ventilatory

Relates to the process of ventilation, or breathing.

FAQs

How is "pulmonary" used in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, "pulmonary" describes conditions, procedures, or anatomical features related to the lungs. For instance, a "pulmonary embolism" is a blockage in the lung's arteries.

What's the difference between "pulmonary" and "respiratory"?

"Pulmonary" specifically pertains to the lungs, while "respiratory" is a broader term encompassing the entire system involved in breathing, including the lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles. The term "respiratory system" includes multiple organs.

When should I use "pulmonary" instead of "lung"?

Use "pulmonary" in formal or medical contexts where precision is important. "Lung" is suitable for general or informal writing. For example, use "lung disease" in general writing.

What are some common "pulmonary" conditions?

Common "pulmonary" conditions include "pulmonary fibrosis", "pulmonary hypertension", and "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)".