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 Word Forms

• 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

An autopsy determined the girl died from asphyxia due to neck compression and drowning, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

From Los Angeles Times

The San Diego County medical examiner’s office concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia and classified the manner of death as homicide.

From Los Angeles Times

Their deaths were caused by asphyxia due to inhalation of smoke from the car, with burns being a “significant” factor in the fatalities, according to an autopsy report cited by the San Francisco Chronicle.

From Los Angeles Times

High levels of intoxication can lead to tripping and falling down, and fatal accidents were reported due to asphyxia.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance