Which term describes the absence of breathing?

The term that describes the absence of breathing is apnea. Apnea occurs when a person temporarily stops breathing, which can happen for a variety of reasons, including sleep apnea, where individuals experience interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition can significantly impact oxygen levels in the body, leading to various health issues.

The other terms relate to breathing but do not denote its complete absence. Hypopnea refers to shallow or decreased breathing, while dyspnea is the sensation of difficulty or distress in breathing. Bradypnea, on the other hand, describes an abnormally slow respiratory rate. Hence, apnea is the most accurate term to indicate a complete cessation of breath.