vital capacity

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. the greatest amount of air that can be forced from the lungs after maximum inhalation.

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vital capacity British  

noun

1. physiol the volume of air that can be exhaled from the lungs after the deepest possible breath has been taken: a measure of lung function

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vital capacity Scientific  

/ vīt′l /

1. The maximum amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs after breathing in as deeply as possible.

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Etymology

Origin of vital capacity

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Another measure is called forced vital capacity, which is the volume of air a person can exhale after taking a deep breath.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2023

In its report, the Transport Select Committee said this and other decisions would "reduce the prospects of meeting ambitions for the North by limiting the vital capacity needed for growth".

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2022

A second model relies on vital capacity, the maximum amount of air the lungs can expel.

From Nature • Oct. 17, 2017

The maximum pressure the boys could manage when inhaling increased 14.7%; the maximum pressure when they exhaled increased 12.8%; and their forced vital capacity increased 11%.

From Forbes • Jul. 10, 2014

The development of vital capacity bears a striking resemblance to that of endurance, the curves representing the two being almost identical.

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.