respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌre-spə-ˈrā-shən 
1
2
: the physical and chemical processes (such as breathing and diffusion) by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
Examples of respiration in a Sentence
The doctor checked his heartbeat and respiration.
Recent Examples on the Web
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the central nervous system instructing respiration to take place.
—
Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024
This technology uses high-resolution 4D imaging radar to detect minute movements, such as heartbeats and respiration, covering the entire vehicle cabin, including the cargo area and footwells.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 10 June 2024
Earning our Editor's Choice Award for high-end fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 measures tons of advanced metrics, including (underwater) heart rate, respiration rate, stress level, pulse ox, and more, with access to over 20 preloaded sports apps and on-screen animations.
—Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Nylon is one of the reasons for this: it is released from textiles and enters the body via respiration, for example.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for respiration 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024
This technology uses high-resolution 4D imaging radar to detect minute movements, such as heartbeats and respiration, covering the entire vehicle cabin, including the cargo area and footwells.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 10 June 2024
Earning our Editor's Choice Award for high-end fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 measures tons of advanced metrics, including (underwater) heart rate, respiration rate, stress level, pulse ox, and more, with access to over 20 preloaded sports apps and on-screen animations.
—Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Nylon is one of the reasons for this: it is released from textiles and enters the body via respiration, for example.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for respiration
Dictionary Entries Near respiration
Cite this Entry
“Respiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiration. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the act or process of breathing
2
: the physical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which a living thing obtains the oxygen it needs to produce energy and eliminate waste gases (as carbon dioxide)
3
: any of various chemical reactions (as oxidation) in cells that release energy from food molecules (as glucose)
Medical Definition
respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the movement of respiratory gases (as oxygen and carbon dioxide) into and out of the lungs
b
: a single complete act of breathing
30 respirations per minute
2
: the physical and chemical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share