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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

apneas plural

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He was diagnosed with sleep _____ after months of exhausted mornings.

Etymology

From Greek apnoia, "absence of breathing," from a- ("without") plus pnein ("to breathe").

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for apnea

ea sea tea pea yea lea Bea DEA hea Rea plea idea

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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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Vocabulary lists that include apnea:

Words with Greek origins