From Greek apnoia 'breathlessness,' from a- 'without' + pnein 'to breathe,' entering medical English around 1719.
Temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
From Greek apnoia, from a- 'without' + pnein 'to breathe.' Entered medical English in the early 18th century. The condition of sleep apnea was first formally described by German physicians in the 1960s. Key roots: *pneu- (Greek: "to breathe").