1. a temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep
Usage: medical term; commonly used in the phrase 'sleep apnea'

Examples

• The doctor diagnosed him with sleep apnea after he reported frequent pauses in breathing at night.
• Apnea can occur in newborns and is monitored carefully in neonatal intensive care units.
• Untreated sleep apnea may lead to serious health complications over time.
• She wore a CPAP machine to manage her apnea and improve her sleep quality.
• The patient experienced multiple episodes of apnea during the sleep study.