[em.phy.se.ma] n [NL, fr. Gk emphysema, fr. emphysan to inflate, fr. em-
[2]en- + physan to blow, fr. physa breath--more at pustule] (1661): a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues; specif: a condition of the lung marked by abnormal dilation of its air spaces and distension of its walls and frequently by impairment of heart action -- em.phy.se.ma.tous adj -- em.phy.se.mic adj