inhalation

[in-huh-ley-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of inhaling.

2. an inhalant.

inhalation

1. The act of taking in breath. Inhalation results from the negative pressure in the lungs caused by contraction of the diaphragm, which causes it to move downwards and to expand the chest cavity. The resulting flow of air into the lungs restores a pressure equal to that of the atmosphere.

2. Also called inspiration

3. Compare exhalation

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhalation¹

First recorded in 1615–25; inhale + -ation

Example Sentences

When positioned optimally, the device prevented inhalation of pathogens during the first 15 minutes of exposure.

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Officers said two teenagers and a woman were treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation in hospital.

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On Thursday a fire broke out, burning a hole through the sheeting covering the venue and causing 13 smoke inhalation injuries.

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Emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey, currently helping patients at the COP medical centre, told the BBC that the injuries are "Mainly people with smoke inhalation, someone with a lung injury from smoke."

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Health experts at the facility in the city's east end had also wanted to add an inhalation room.

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Related Words

• aroma 
• breath 
• fume 
• hint 
• odor 
• puff 
• scent