noun
apnea
AP-nee-uh
Apnea (noun) means a temporary pause or stopping of breathing, especially during sleep. Example: “He was diagnosed with sleep apnea after months of exhausted mornings.”
noun
1
A temporary pause or stopping of breathing, especially during sleep.
"He was diagnosed with sleep apnea after months of exhausted mornings."
"Apnea during sleep can lower blood oxygen levels significantly."
How to use apnea
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pause in breathing, most commonly heard in the medical term "sleep apnea."
UK vs US
Spelled "apnoea" in British English, "apnea" in American English.
Common pairings
sleep apnea
apnea episode
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Word forms
- Plural
- apneas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was diagnosed with sleep _____ after months of exhausted mornings.
Etymology
From Greek apnoia, "absence of breathing," from a- ("without") plus pnein ("to breathe").
Rhymes for apnea
See all rhymes for apnea →Frequently asked questions
What does “apnea” mean?
The word “apnea” means a temporary pause or stopping of breathing, especially during sleep. In plain terms, a pause in breathing, most commonly heard in the medical term "sleep apnea.".
How do you pronounce “apnea”?
“Apnea” is pronounced AP-nee-uh (/ˈæp.ni.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “apnea” in a sentence?
Here is “apnea” used in a sentence: “He was diagnosed with sleep apnea after months of exhausted mornings.”
What part of speech is “apnea”?
“Apnea” is a noun.
Where does the word “apnea” come from?
The word “apnea” comes from Greek. From Greek apnoia, "absence of breathing," from a- ("without") plus pnein ("to breathe").
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