Asthma
/ˈæz.mə/noun
A respiratory condition marked by difficulty breathing due to narrowed or obstructed airways.
Did you know?The term 'asthma' comes from the Greek word meaning 'to breathe hard,' reflecting its ancient understanding as a struggle against the very essence of life—air.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄσθμα
“A condition of difficult or labored breathing.”
1st Century
Latin
asthma
“Borrowed from Greek, referring to the same condition of breathlessness.”
Middle English
Old French
asthme
“Adopted from Latin, retaining its meaning related to breathing difficulties.”
Modern English
English
asthma
“Directly borrowed from Latin, used to describe the chronic respiratory condition.”