What does pulmonary mean?
Pulmonary is an adjective meaning relating to the lungs or to the circulation of blood through the lungs. It is used especially in medical and scientific contexts, including anatomy, disease names, diagnostic procedures, and descriptions of bodily functions. For example, the pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where gas exchange adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, while the pulmonary veins return blood to the heart. The term is also used in names of illnesses and conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, a blockage in a lung artery, and pulmonary fibrosis, scarring of lung tissue. Because it is a specialized term, pulmonary generally has a more technical and clinical tone than the plainer word “lung.” It is nevertheless useful for identifying precisely the part of the respiratory or circulatory system involved.
adjectiveRelating to the lungs or the respiratory system. Pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs, while pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the heart.
- Relating to or affecting the lungs.
- Relating to the movement or circulation of blood through the lungs.
"The scan revealed a small pulmonary embolism in one of the patient's lungs."
"Her physician specializes in pulmonary medicine."
"The researchers studied the effects of pollution on pulmonary function in children."
Pulmonary circulation is the short route through the lungs, where blood picks up oxygen before returning to the heart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pulmonary come from?
Pulmonary comes from Latin pulmonalis, meaning “of the lungs,” formed from pulmo, genitive pulmonis, “lung.” The Latin word is related to Greek pneúmōn, “lung,” and ultimately to a Proto-Indo-European root associated with breathing or blowing. The English word entered medical usage in the early modern period and became especially established through anatomical terminology.
How pulmonary is actually used
This is a formal medical and scientific term. It is especially common in health care, biology, and anatomy, and is less usual in everyday speech than “lung” or “respiratory.”