bronchoconstrictive
|bron-cho-con-stric-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌbrɑŋkoʊkənˈstrɪktɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌbrɒŋkəʊkənˈstrɪktɪv/
causes narrowing of bronchi
Etymology
'bronchoconstrictive' originates from Modern English formation, specifically combining Greek 'bronchos' (βρόγχος) where 'bronchos' meant 'windpipe', and the element 'constrictive' ultimately from Latin 'constringere' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'stringere' meant 'to draw tight'.
'bronchoconstrictive' developed via New Latin/medical coinages such as 'bronchoconstrictio' (the noun 'bronchoconstriction') and the verb/adjective elements 'bronchoconstrict-' + English adjectival suffix '-ive', eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'bronchoconstrictive'.
Initially it denoted 'causing narrowing of the bronchi' in medical descriptions, and over time this specific sense has remained the core meaning used in clinical and biological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing or tending to cause bronchoconstriction; relating to the narrowing of the bronchi (airways), which reduces airway diameter and increases airway resistance.
Some environmental pollutants are bronchoconstrictive and can trigger breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/17 23:55