asphyxia

views updated May 18 2018

as·phyx·i·a / asˈfiksēə/ • n. a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation.DERIVATIVES: as·phyx·i·al adj.as·phyx·i·ant / -sēənt/ adj. & n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

asphyxia

views updated May 17 2018

asphyxia stoppage of the pulse, (hence) suffocation. XVIII. — modL. — Gr. asphuxíā, f. A-4 + sphúxis pulse, f. sphúzein beat, throb.
Hence asphyxiate (-ATE3), asphyxiation XIX.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

asphyxia

views updated Jun 11 2018

asphyxia (ă-sfiks-iă) n. suffocation: a life-threatening condition in which oxygen is prevented from reaching the tissues by obstruction of or damage to any part of the respiratory system.

A Dictionary of Nursing