asphyxia

as·phyx·ia

noun \as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs-\

Definition of ASPHYXIA

: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply

Examples of ASPHYXIA

1. The cause of death was asphyxia.

Origin of ASPHYXIA

New Latin, from Greek, stopping of the pulse, from a- + sphyzein to throb

First Known Use: 1778

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with ASPHYXIA

panmixia