pneumonia

The word “pneumonia” means a lung infection, usually caused by bacteria or a virus, that inflames the air sacs and can fill them with fluid. In plain terms, a serious lung infection that makes breathing difficult and often requires medical treatment.

“Pneumonia” is pronounced nyoo-MOH-nee-uh (/nuˈmoʊniə/ in IPA).

Here is “pneumonia” used in a sentence: “He was hospitalized with pneumonia after the flu turned severe.”

“Pneumonia” is a noun.

The word “pneumonia” comes from Greek. From Greek pneumon, "lung," combined with a suffix meaning "disease of.".

“Pneumonia” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Pneumonia itself is not always contagious, but the bacteria or viruses that cause it can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Whether it spreads depends on the underlying germ, since some cases are caused by non-contagious factors like inhaling fluid or chemicals.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that inflames the air sacs and can fill them with fluid, while bronchitis involves inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs. Pneumonia tends to be more serious and is more likely to involve fever, chest pain, and fluid buildup.

Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria and often comes on suddenly with severe symptoms, while viral pneumonia is caused by a virus and tends to develop more gradually. Both inflame the air sacs of the lungs, but they typically require different treatments.