n :  a respiratory disease of unknown cause that occurs in newborn premature infants and is characterized by deficiency of the surfactant coating the inner surface of the lungs, by failure of the lungs to expand and contract properly during breathing with resulting collapse, and by the accumulation of a protein-containing film lining the alveoli and their ducts - abbr. RDS - called also hyaline membrane disease  - see ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.