noun
(US apnea)
mass nounMedicine Temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
‘the doctor said apnoea occurred because of obstruction and narrowing of the trachea’- ‘You could have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.’
- ‘Untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can result in serious complications.’
- ‘Mixed apnea, which is rare, is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.’
- ‘While his death is blamed on an inflammation of the lungs and heart, doctors say sleep apnea was also a factor.’
- ‘The doctor will also assess the type of sleepiness a person is experiencing, to work out whether sleep apnoea is a possible diagnosis.’
Origin
Early 18th century modern Latin, from Greek apnoia, from apnous ‘breathless’.
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