n :  a condition characterized by air-filled expansions like blisters in interstitial or subcutaneous tissues : specif  :  a local or generalized condition of the lung marked by distension, progressive loss of elasticity, and eventual rupture of the alveoli and accompanied by labored breathing, a husky cough, and frequently by impairment of heart action em*phy*se*ma*tous adj em*phy*se*mic adj 
 
   
 
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