Definition of "apneustic" in English

adjective

1. (pathology) Of or relating to apneusis.

2. (arthropodology) in tracheal systems: having no open spiracles, as occurs in larvae of certain aquatic insects.

   • The holopneustic type of [tracheal] system has all ten pairs of spiracles open, ... while the apneustic type has no functional spiracles, respiration occurring through the general body surface or gills. The tracheal systems with few or no open spiracles are found in aquatic and endoparasitic insects ... non-functional spiracles are closed or reduced to minute scars, and each is connected to the longitudinal tracheae by a solid stigmatic cord. The latter helps to anchor the tracheal system in position and serves to pull out the old tracheal linings when the insect moults.