respiration
[ res-puh-rey-shuh n ]
/ ˌrɛs pəˈreɪ ʃən /
noun
the act of respiring; inhalation and exhalation of air; breathing.
Biology.
- the sum total of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which oxygen is conveyed to tissues and cells, and the oxidation products, carbon dioxide and water, are given off.
- an analogous chemical process, as in muscle cells or in anaerobic bacteria, occurring in the absence of oxygen.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
Origin of respiration
Related formsres·pi·ra·tion·al, adjectivepre·res·pi·ra·tion, noun
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Examples from the Web for respiration
British Dictionary definitions for respiration
respiration
/ (ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən) /
noun
the process in living organisms of taking in oxygen from the surroundings and giving out carbon dioxide (external respiration). In terrestrial animals this is effected by breathing air
the chemical breakdown of complex organic substances, such as carbohydrates and fats, that takes place in the cells and tissues of animals and plants, during which energy is released and carbon dioxide produced (internal respiration)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for respiration
respiration
late 14c., from Latin respirationem (nominative respiratio) "breathing, respiration," noun of action from past participle stem of respirare (see respire).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for respiration
respiration
[ rĕs′pə-rā′shən ]
n.
The act or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing.ventilation
The act or process by which an organism without lungs, such as a fish or plant, exchanges gases with its environment.
The oxidative process occurring within living cells by which the chemical energy of organic molecules is released in a series of metabolic steps involving the consumption of oxygen and the liberation of carbon dioxide and water.
Any of various analogous metabolic processes by which organisms, such as fungi, obtain energy from organic molecules.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for respiration
respiration
[ rĕs′pə-rā′shən ]
The process by which organisms exchange gases, especially oxygen and carbon dioxide, with the environment. In air-breathing vertebrates, respiration takes place in the lungs. In fish and many invertebrates, respiration takes place through the gills. Respiration in green plants occurs during photosynthesis.
See cellular respiration.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for respiration
respiration
The conversion of oxygen by living things into the energy by which they continue life. Respiration is part of metabolism.
Note
Carbon dioxide is a waste product of respiration.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.