View synonyms for apnea

apnea

[ ap-nee-uh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pathology.

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

apnea

/ ăp′nē-ə,ăp-nē′ə /

The temporary absence or cessation of breathing.

Discover More

Other Words From

ap·ne·ic adjective

Discover More

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Take, for instance, those with sleep apnea, in which breathing periodically stops and starts throughout the night.

From The Daily Beast

Snoring is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, when your airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes people with sleep apnea wake up during the night gasping for breath.

From The Daily Beast

More troubling were the episodes of central apnea we had been warned about.

From The Daily Beast

And in other research, people with sleep apnea were found to have more difficulties with sexual function.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

Word of the Day

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

apmt.apneic

Browse