inspiratory

[ in-spahyuhr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ɪnˈspaɪər əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Save This Word!

adjective

of or relating to inspiration or inhalation.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of inspiratory

1765–75; <Latin inspīrāt(us) past participle of inspīrāre (see inspire, -ate¹) + -ory¹

Words nearby inspiratory

inspirable, inspiration, inspirational, inspiration board, inspirator, inspiratory, inspire, inspired, inspirit, inspissate, in spite of

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inspiratory in a sentence

For when a solution of continuity occurs in the lungs, the inspiratory and expiratory forces fail.
Gilbertus Anglicus|Henry Ebenezer Handerson
First, a quick deep breath is taken by means of the inspiratory muscles.
The Action of Medicines in the System|Frederick William Headland
They embody disturbances of various functional acts, and may be subdivided into inspiratory and expiratory tics.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne
In another instance inspiratory hiccoughs and expiratory eructations co-existed.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne

Page 84 Fortunately in all save the rarest possible instances the apnœa yields and a deep inspiratory movement follows.
The Nervous Child|Hector Charles Cameron

British Dictionary definitions for inspiratory

inspiratory

/ (ɪnˈspaɪərətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

of or relating to inhalation or the drawing in of air

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012