apnea

[ ap-nee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a temporary suspension of breathing, occurring in some newborns and adults during sleep. infant apnea ( def ), sleep apnea ( def ).
2. asphyxia; suffocation.

apnea

/ ăp′nē-ə,ăp-nē′ə /

1. The temporary absence or cessation of breathing.

Other Words From

• ap·ne·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apnea¹

First recorded in 1710–20; from New Latin apnoea, from Greek ápnoia, from ápno(os) “breathless” (from a- a- ⁶ + pno-, variant stem of pneîn “to breathe” + -os, adjective suffix) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

That medical history could show other conditions such as sleep apnea that can influence memory.

From Los Angeles Times

Brian Bent died of sleep apnea at 29 and Terry Baker of cancer at 43.

From Los Angeles Times

That points to long-term reductions in users’ vulnerability to the whole spectrum of obesity-related medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bad knees and sleep apnea.

From Los Angeles Times

When patients come in with obesity and other related chronic conditions like high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels and sleep apnea, many doctors prescribe drugs for each condition.

From New York Times

If you feel like you need caffeine throughout the day just to function, consider seeing a sleep specialist, Grandner said; you may have a treatable disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• hiatus
• intermission
• interval
• layoff
• lull
• pause
• recess
• respite
• rest
• suspension
• time off