expiratory

adjective

ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtȯr-ē 

ek-;

ˈek-sp(ə-)rə- 

: of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

expiratory

adjective

ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē 

ek-,

-ˌtȯr-;

ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-

: of, relating to, or used in breathing air out of the lungs

Medical Definition

expiratory

adjective

ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē  ek- 

-ˌtȯr-; ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-

: of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs

expiratory muscles

an expiratory cough