orthopnea

or or·thop·noe·a

[ awr-thop-nee-uh, awr-thop-nee-uh, -thuhp- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. difficult or painful breathing except in an erect sitting or standing position.

Other Words From

• orthop·neic orthop·noeic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthopnea¹

1650–60; < Greek orthópnoia, equivalent to orthópno ( os ) breathing upright ( ortho- ortho- + pno ( ḗ ) breath + -os adj. suffix) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

Orthopnea, pain, and excessive oppression at the bottom of the sternum.

From Project Gutenberg