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
However, the natural world — wildfires, volcanic activity and even plant respiration — contributes far more CO2 to the atmosphere.
—
Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
The third movement is the respiration and only works when the bust is fully closed.
—Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Plants of all types continuously produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as part of natural processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025
The malnourished pup was being treated for an eye injury and respiration infection, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respiration
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Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
The third movement is the respiration and only works when the bust is fully closed.
—Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Plants of all types continuously produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as part of natural processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025
The malnourished pup was being treated for an eye injury and respiration infection, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 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 22 Apr. 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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