chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nonreversible lung disease that is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis; usually patients have been heavy cigarette smokers
emphysema: an abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age
constitutional union party: a former political party in the United States; formed in 1859 by former Whigs who hoped to preserve the Union