1. A medical condition in which part or all of a lung collapses due to loss of air, often caused by obstruction or compression.
Usage: medical/clinical term; uncountable noun; plural form is atelectases

Examples

• The patient developed atelectasis after surgery due to shallow breathing.
• Atelectasis can occur when a mucus plug blocks an airway.
• Chest X-rays are used to diagnose atelectasis.
• The doctor recommended deep breathing exercises to prevent atelectasis during recovery.
• Atelectasis is a common complication in hospitalized patients with reduced mobility.