suspended animation

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A temporary state of interrupted breathing and loss of consciousness resembling death, caused especially by asphyxia.

Wiktionary

1. n. A temporary cessation of breathing and consciousness resembling death; often the result of asphyxia.
2. n. science fiction The deliberate slowing of the body's functions, sometimes by the use of cryonics, on long interstellar journeys.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. temporary suspension of the vital functions, as in persons nearly drowned.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. a temporary cessation of vital functions with loss of consciousness resembling death; usually resulting from asphyxia