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

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

Then, they used energy dissipation models to compare the seals' ability to warm and moisten air during inhalation and to reduce heat and moisture loss during exhalation.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2023

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 amount of air she could get out in a forced exhalation was less than it was when she was tested the year before.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

The rest of the world falls away, until there are only the sounds of my steady inhalation and exhalation in contrast with his rattling, wheezing breath.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed