dyspnea

noun

dys·​pnea ˈdis(p)-nē-ə How to pronounce dyspnea (audio)
: difficult or labored respiration
dyspneic
ˈdis(p)-nē-ik How to pronounce dyspnea (audio)
adjective

Examples of dyspnea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In some cases, people report shortness of breath (dyspnea) or chest discomfort. — Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 Difficulty breathing, gasping, and breathlessness (dyspnea) can be symptoms of obesity. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dyspnoea, borrowed from Greek dýspnoia, from dýspnoos, dýspnous "short of breath" (from dys- dys- + -pnoos, nominal ablaut derivative from the base of pnéō, pneîn "to breathe") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at sneeze entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dyspnea was circa 1681

Rhymes for dyspnea

See All Rhymes for dyspnea

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dyspnea

Cite this Entry

“Dyspnea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dyspnea. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dyspnea

noun
dys·​pnea ˈdis(p)-nē-ə How to pronounce dyspnea (audio)
: difficult or labored breathing

Medical Definition

dyspnea

noun
dys·​pnea
variants or chiefly British dyspnoea
ˈdis(p)-nē-ə How to pronounce dyspnea (audio)
: difficult or labored respiration compare eupnea
dyspneic adjective
or chiefly British dyspnoeic
-nē-ik How to pronounce dyspnea (audio)
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