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

as·phyx·ia

noun \as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ASPHYXIA

: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that causes unconsciousness—compare suffocation

—as·phyx·i·al \-sē-əl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

asphyxia

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Lack of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide due to respiratory failure or disturbance, resulting in insufficient brain oxygen, which leads to unconsciousness or death. Causes include strangulation, drowning, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Breathing in food or fluid can cause obstruction of the airway and pulmonary collapse. Emergency resuscitation usually includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation.