asth·ma (āz'mə, ās'-) n. A chronic respiratory disease, often arising from allergies, that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing.
[Middle English asma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek asthma.] asth·mat'ic (-māt'ĭk) adj. & n., asth·mat'i·cal·ly adv.
Main Entry: 1asth·mat·ic Pronunciation: az-'mat-ik, Brit as- Function: adjective : of, relating to, or affected with asthmaasthmatic attack> —asth·mat·i·cal·ly/-i-k(&-)lE/adverb
Main Entry: 2asthmatic Function: noun : a person affected with asthma