exsufflation

noun

ex·​suf·​fla·​tion

ˌeksəˈflāshən

1

: the action of breathing forth or blowing

especially : this action used as an exorcism in some rites of baptism

2

: forcible breathing or blowing out (as in clearing the respiratory tract) : forcible expiration

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin exsufflation-, exsufflatio, from exsufflatus (past participle of exsufflare to blow away, from Latin ex- ex- entry 1 + sufflare to inflate, blow upon) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion

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