respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌre-spə-ˈrā-shən 
1
2
: the physical and chemical processes (such as breathing and diffusion) by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
Examples of respiration in a Sentence
The doctor checked his heartbeat and respiration.
Recent Examples on the Web
That's entirely different from respiration, a chemical reaction found in every cell in living things on Earth, from plants to animals.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The rib cage does play a role in respiration by providing space for the lungs to fully expand.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
The plant can be helpful in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery, stomach ulcers, and nausea, with the leaves having a positive influence on respiration and a capacity to cleanse the blood of toxic metabolites, notably uric acid.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Carbon dioxide, known by the chemical formula CO2, is a gas produced by various natural processes, including respiration in animals and plants, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and the decay of organic matter.
MORE: Do plastic bag bans work?
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for respiration
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Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The rib cage does play a role in respiration by providing space for the lungs to fully expand.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
The plant can be helpful in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery, stomach ulcers, and nausea, with the leaves having a positive influence on respiration and a capacity to cleanse the blood of toxic metabolites, notably uric acid.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Carbon dioxide, known by the chemical formula CO2, is a gas produced by various natural processes, including respiration in animals and plants, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and the decay of organic matter.
MORE: Do plastic bag bans work?
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for respiration
Cite this Entry
“Respiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiration. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the act or process of breathing
2
: the physical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which a living thing obtains the oxygen it needs to produce energy and eliminate waste gases (as carbon dioxide)
3
: any of various chemical reactions (as oxidation) in cells that release energy from food molecules (as glucose)
Medical Definition
respiration
noun
res·pi·ra·tion
ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the movement of respiratory gases (as oxygen and carbon dioxide) into and out of the lungs
b
: a single complete act of breathing
30 respirations per minute
2
: the physical and chemical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
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