Definition

A condition characterized by very rapid breathing or panting.

Example

The patient was experiencing polypnea due to anxiety.

Conversation

I noticed you've been breathing really fast lately.

Yeah, I think I might be experiencing some polypnea from my anxiety.

That sounds tough; have you tried any relaxation techniques?

I have, but it still happens sometimes when I'm stressed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polypnea is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "pnea" (from Greek "pnein", meaning to breathe). The word describes a condition characterized by many or rapid breaths.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') breaths ('pnea') to remember that polypnea refers to rapid or many breaths.

Visually Confused Words