apnea

especially British, ap·noe·a

[ap-nee-uh]

noun

Pathology.

1. a temporary suspension of breathing, occurring in some newborns and adults during sleep.

2. asphyxia; suffocation.

apnea

1. The temporary absence or cessation of breathing.

Other Word Forms

• apneic 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

He also suffered multiple health issues — neurogenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease — before his death.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s possible for babies to not cough and instead suffer from apnea — pauses in breathing that threaten their lives, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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