apnea:

Transient cessation of breathing. 

(ap-ne-a) Cessation of breathing, usually temporary in nature. May result from reduction in stimuli to the respiratory center as in over-breathing in which carbon dioxide content of the blood is reduced, from failure of respiratory center to discharge impulses as occurs when the breath is held voluntarily, or during Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

Pause in breathing that lasts 20 seconds or longer.