Definition of Tachypnea

Tachypnea: (Pronounced tack-ip-nea.) Abnormally fast breathing. A respiratory rate that is too rapid. The normal rate of respirations (breaths per minute) depends on a number of factors, including the age of the individual and the degree of exertion.

The prefix tachy- means swift or rapid; it comes from the Greek word tachys, meaning "swift." The word ending -pnea denotes a relationship to breathing; it comes from the Greek pnoia, meaning breath.