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Definition of apnea

apnea

/æpˈniː.ə/
(UK: apnoea)
ap · nea
Plural:apneas
•
Adjective:apneic
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apnea Lexical Profile

apnea Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.

Example

"The patient underwent an overnight clinical study to monitor episodes of sleep apnea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for apnea
Antonyms
View all antonyms for apnea

Word Nuance & Usage

Spelled 'apnoea' in British English.

• Rhymes for apnea

• Nearby Words

apistogramma
aplenty
aplomb
apnea
apo
apocalypse
apocalyptic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from New Latin 'apnoea', from Ancient Greek 'apnoia' (absence of wind or breathing), composed of 'a-' (without) and 'pnein' (to breathe).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apnea. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apnea
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