adjective
General Slang
agonal
AG-uh-nul · adjective · informal
Relating to the gasping, dying moments before death
0
Definitions
1
Clinical/slang descriptor for the terminal state — e.g. 'agonal breathing,' the ineffective gasps seen near death or in cardiac arrest.
“Only agonal gasps now — start compressions.”
by community
0
agonal In A Sentence
Only agonal gasps now — start compressions.
Origin & Usage
From Greek 'agon' (struggle); clinical term used colloquially.
People Also Ask
What does 'agonal' mean?
It describes the terminal, dying state, most often 'agonal breathing' — the ineffective gasps seen near death or during cardiac arrest.
Is agonal breathing normal breathing?
No. Agonal gasps are not effective breaths; they signal a very sick or arresting patient and typically prompt starting CPR.
Where does the word come from?
It derives from the Greek 'agon', meaning struggle. It is a clinical term also used colloquially by staff.
Comments 0