apnoea (ap-nee-ă) n. temporary cessation of breathing from any cause, formally defined as a reduction in nasal air flow to less than 30% of normal for more than 10 seconds. a. index the number of apnoea episodes per hour of sleep. a. monitor an electronic alarm, responding to a baby's breathing movements, that can monitor babies at risk from cot death. See also sleep apnoea.
—apnoeic adj.

apnoea Nonventilation of the lungs.