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.
An example of an aristocracy is Britainâs Royal family.Another example of an aristocracy is the Kennedy family in the United States. The definition of aristocracy is a group of people who feel they are above others.An example of an aristocracy are some of the actors and actresses in Hollywood.Â·cies. 1  Historical government by the best citizens. 2  government by a privileged minority or upper class, usually of inherited wealth and social position. 3  a country with this form of government; oligarchy. 4  a privileged ruling class; nobility. 5  those considered the best in some way: an aristocracy of scientists.