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
2.
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)
respiration in American English
(ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən)
noun
1.
act or process of respiring; breathing; inhaling and exhaling air
2.
the processes by which a living organism or cell takes in oxygen from the air orwater, distributes and utilizes it in oxidation, and gives off products of oxidation, esp. carbon dioxide
3.
an analogous process in anaerobic organisms involving some substance other than free oxygen
Derived forms
respirational (ˌrespiˈrational)
adjective
Word origin
ME respiracioun < L respiratio < respiratus, pp.
Examples of 'respiration' in a sentence
respiration
Pulse, respiration, temperature show no sign of organic damage.
Maclean, Alistair SAN ANDREAS (1963)
I heard ragged breathing in the gloom, and coughs and mutters; the ghostly respiration of the sick.