Path. [mod.L., f. Gr. ἀτελής imperfect (f. ἀ priv. + τέλος completion) + ἔκτασις extension.] Imperfect dilatation, esp. of the lungs of newly born children.
1859. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., V. 263/1. Atelectasis of that portion of the lung.
1877. Roberts, Handbk. Med., I. 406. Atelectasis strictly refers only to lungs which are more or less in their fatal condition.
