Main Entry:

as·phyx·ia

Pronunciation:

\as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1778

: 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