apnoeic
Definition
Adjective Relating to or characterized by apnea; experiencing or involving a temporary cessation of breathing.
Usage
The adjective "apnoeic" is used in medical contexts to describe a state, condition, or event connected to apnea. It modifies nouns to specify their relationship to interrupted breathing. * The patient experienced apnoeic episodes during sleep. * Monitoring revealed an apnoeic event lasting 30 seconds.
Examples
- The study focused on apnoeic infants and their oxygen saturation levels.
- An apnoeic spell can be a serious medical concern.
- The device is designed to detect apnoeic pauses.
Advanced Usage
- apnoeic threshold: A physiological term referring to the level of carbon dioxide in the blood below which breathing stops.
- The experiment measured the subject's apnoeic threshold.
Variants and Related Words
- apnea (noun): The temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
- apneic (adjective): An alternative spelling, more common in American English.
- sleep apnea (noun): A common disorder characterized by repeated apnoeic episodes during sleep.
Synonyms
- breathless
- non-breathing (in a specific, pathological context)
Notes on Meaning
"Apnoeic" specifically describes the pathological or physiological state of not breathing. It is distinct from simply holding one's breath voluntarily. The primary context is clinical, relating to disorders like sleep apnea or conditions in premature infants.
Adjective
-
of or relating to apnea
