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

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.

Other Word Forms

• asphyxial 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

The autopsy determined he died from asphyxia after aspirating on his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.

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The autopsy determined he died from asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.

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An autopsy concluded Skaggs accidentally died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.

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A post-mortem examination concluded Mr Burton died as a result of traumatic asphyxia.

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A pathologist confirmed that she had died from asphyxia due to strangulation and pressure on her mouth.

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Related Words

• coma 
• slumber 
• trance