/az"meuh, as"-/ , n.
Pathol. a paroxysmal, often allergic disorder of respiration, characterized by bronchospasm, wheezing, and difficulty in expiration, often accompanied by coughing and a feeling of constriction in the chest. Also called bronchial asthma .
[ 1350-1400; ME aázein to breathe hard); r. ME asma ásthma ]