# pulmonary

/ˈpʊɫməˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /pˈʌlmənəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pulmonary
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

relating to your lungs. Doctors use this word to describe things that happen in or affect the parts of your body you use for breathing.

For teachers: relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs. Derived from the Latin 'pulmo', it is used in medical contexts to describe anatomical structures or physiological processes.

## Examples

- The doctor checked his pulmonary health.
- The patient was referred to a specialist for a pulmonary function test to measure how well her lungs were working.
- Pulmonary circulation is the portion of the cardiovascular system which carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart, to the lungs, and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun in medical or scientific contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.