n. 1. an ascocarp having the spore-bearing layer of cells (the hymenium) on a broad disklike receptacle. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; short-drawn breath, fr. &unr_; to blow, for &unr_;: cf. Skr. vā, Goth. waian, to blow, E. wind. ] (Med.) A disease, characterized by difficulty of breathing (due to a spasmodic contraction of the bronchi), recurring at intervals, accompanied with a wheezing sound, a sense of constriction in the chest, a cough, and expectoration. [ 1913 Webster ]

. Paper impregnated with saltpeter. The fumes from the burning paper are often inhaled as an alleviative by asthmatics. [ Archaic ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]

n. A person affected with asthma. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ L. asthmaticus, Gr. &unr_;. ] Of or pertaining to asthma; as, an asthmatic cough; liable to, or suffering from, asthma; as, an asthmatic patient. -- Asth*mat"ic*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]