Definition (NCI_NCI-GLOSS) A type of lung disease marked by permanent damage to tissues in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes chronic bronchitis, in which the bronchi (large air passages) are inflamed and scarred, and emphysema, in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs) are damaged.
Princeton's WordNet(3.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition: 1  affluent(noun) an affluent person; a person who is financially well off. the so-called emerging affluents. 2  feeder, tributary, confluent, affluent(adj) a branch that flows into the main stream.
noun. 1 A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. the French equivalent of the Bank of England. More example sentences. Synonyms. 1  This amount is the equivalent today to about $750, but in terms of rupees it is not an insignificant sum. A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. the French equivalent of the Bank of England. More example sentences.