exhalation

American  

[eks-huh-ley-shuhn, ek-suh-] / ˌɛks həˈleɪ ʃən, ˌɛk sə- /

noun

1. the act of exhaling.

2. something that is exhaled; vapor; emanation.

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exhalation Scientific  

/ ĕks′hə-lā′shən /

1. The act of breathing out air. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, causing compression of the lungs and an outward flow of air.

2. Also called expiration

3. Compare inhalation

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Etymology

Origin of exhalation

1350–1400; Middle English exalacion < Latin exhālātiōn- (stem of exhālātiō ). See exhale, -ation

Compare meaning

How does exhalation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• inhalation vs. exhalation

Example Sentences

Their vocal cords did not close, and their abdominal muscles did not contract, as they normally do during exhalation for vocalization.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2024

While a brick home can resist the powerful exhalation of a wolf, it’s no match for wind-driven rain served up by a wicked storm.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2024

The fall of the hammer at 74 million pounds broke the tension, triggering a collective exhalation in the room and a round of applause.

From Reuters • Jun. 27, 2023

The beginning of a new “Succession” season feels like an exhalation, a reprieve.

From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2023

Now a little, now more, a great roar began, an exhalation of breath that swelled to a rumble of voices and then to the howling and clapping and stomping of men gone mad on art.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner