Broncholithiasis

/ˌbrɑŋkoʊlɪˈθeɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical condition where stones or mineral deposits form inside the bronchial tubes of the lungs.

Etymology

From Greek 'bronchos' (windpipe) + 'lithos' (stone) + suffix '-iasis' (condition or disease state). The suffix '-iasis' comes from Greek medical terminology and indicates an abnormal condition, popular in medical nomenclature since the Victorian era.

Kelly Says

This condition can develop after tuberculosis or fungal infections damage lung tissue, allowing minerals to accumulate, and it's so uncommon in modern times that most young doctors might never see a case in their entire career.

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