-pnea

American  

1. a combining form meaning “breath, respiration,” used in the formation of compound words that denote a kind of breathing or condition of the respiratory system, as specified by the initial element.

   dyspnea; hyperpnea.

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Usage

What does -pnea mean? The combining form -pnea is used like a suffix meaning “breath, respiration.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology.The form -pnea comes from the Greek pneîn, meaning "to breathe."What are variants of -pnea?In British English, -pnea is commonly spelled -pnoea.

Etymology

Origin of -pnea

< Greek -pnoia, akin to pneîn to breathe; pneuma