respiratory distress syndrome meaning and definition

RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME noun

Definition of respiratory distress syndrome (noun)

1. an acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn); lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking; characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli
   • synonyms: hyaline membrane disease, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn