asphyxia

American  

[as-fik-see-uh] / æsˈfɪk si ə /

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.

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asphyxia British  

/ æsˈfɪksɪə /

noun

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

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asphyxia Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• asphyxial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of asphyxia

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

Example Sentences

Cause of death, according to the autopsy: Asphyxia by drowning.

From Scientific American • Apr. 28, 2022

Asphyxia would pin the blame more definitively on Mr. Chauvin, while cardiopulmonary arrest could be caused by many factors.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2021

Asphyxia is a special form of syncope resulting from partial or total suspension of respiration, as in strangulation, drowning, or inhalation of noxious gases.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

As wooer he's dull, for his breath smells of sulphur; Asphyxia incarnate, and horrid at that!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, November 15, 1890 by Various

"Asphyxia is,—it is——" And as Monsieur Roger was seeking for some easy words in which to explain himself, Miette cried out, with a laugh,— "Perhaps you don't know yourself,—you who know everything?"

From In Search of a Son by Walsh, William Shepard

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance