First Known Use: circa 1719
Dictionary
apnea
noun ap·nea \ˈap-nē-ə\
Definition of APNEA
1
: transient cessation of respiration; especially : sleep apnea
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Origin of APNEA
New Latin, from a- + -pnea
Medical Dictionary
apnea
noun ap·nea
Medical Definition of APNEA
1
: transient cessation of respiration whether normal (as in hibernating animals) or abnormal (as that caused by certain drugs)—see sleep apnea
2
: asphyxia
—ap·ne·ic or chiefly British ap·noe·ic \ap-ˈnē-ik\ adjective
Variants of APNEA
ap·nea or chiefly British ap·noea \ˈap-nē-ə, ap-ˈnē-\
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