asphyxia

[ as-fik-see-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.

asphyxia

/ æsˈfɪksɪə /

noun

1. lack of oxygen in the blood due to restricted respiration; suffocation. If severe enough and prolonged, it causes death

asphyxia

/ ăs-fĭk′sē-ə /

1. A condition characterized by an extreme decrease in the amount of oxygen in the body accompanied by an increase of carbon dioxide, caused by an an inability to breathe. Asphyxia usually results in loss of consciousness and sometimes death.

Derived Forms

• asˈphyxial, adjective

Other Words From

• as·phyxi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxia¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from New Latin, from Greek asphyxía “a stopping of the pulse,” equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + sphýx(is) “pulse” + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxia¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek asphuxia a stopping of the pulse, from a- ¹+ sphuxis pulse, from sphuzein to throb

Example Sentences

The state medical examiner’s office ruled Otieno’s death a homicide, finding that he died of “positional and mechanical asphyxia with restraints.”

From Seattle Times

Nearly all states have a Peace Officer Standards and Training agency that sets out what must be taught, so AP asked each commission whether it requires instruction on positional asphyxia.

From Seattle Times

Among the states that responded, 10 said they did not require positional asphyxia training and 20 states said they do include that training.

From Seattle Times

These results highlight the need for early genetic testing in children with cerebral palsy, especially those with risk factors like birth asphyxia, to ensure they receive the right medical care and treatment.

From Science Daily

Later, he was transferred to the state mental health hospital south of Richmond, where he died in March 2023 of what a medical examiner found was “positional and mechanical asphyxia with restraints.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance