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breath definition

breath (bret̸h)

noun

  1. air taken into the lungs and then let out
  2. the act of breathing; respiration
  3. the power to breathe easily and naturally to get one's breath back
  4. life or spirit
  5. air or vapor given off from anything
  6. air carrying fragrance or odor
  7. a puff or whiff, as of air; slight breeze
  8. moisture produced by a condensing of the breath, as in cold air
  9. an utterance, esp. in a low voice; whisper or murmur
  10. the time taken by a single respiration; a moment
  11. a slight pause or rest
  12. a faint hint or indication
  13. Phonet. a voiceless exhalation of the airstream with relative stillness at the vocal cords, as in pronouncing (s) or (p)

Etymology: ME breth < OE bræth, odor, exhalation < IE base *bher-, well up > ferment, barm, brood

breath Idioms

catch one's breath

  1. to gasp
  2. to return to normal breathing after exertion
  3. Informal to rest or pause

in the same breath

almost simultaneously

out of breath

breathless, as from exertion

save one's breath

Informal to refrain from talking when talk would be useless

take someone's breath away

strike someone with awe; thrill

under one's breath

or below one's breath
in a whisper or murmur

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms breath idiom

medical breath definition - medical

breath Synonyms

breath

n.

  1. Respiration

    inhalation, exhalation, inspiration, expiration, breathing, gasp, sigh, pant, suspiration, wheeze.

  2. A very light wind

    whiff, flutter, puff; see wind 1.

catch one's breath

pause, rest, stop, slow down; see pause.

in the same breath

simultaneously, concurrently, at the same time; see together 2.

out of breath

gasping, winded, exhausted; see breathless.

save one's breath*

be quiet, refrain from talking, never mind; see quiet 2, shut up 1.

take one's breath away

thrill, stagger, stun; see excite 1, surprise 1.

under one's breath<strong>

quietly, muttering, murmuring, sotto voce; see whispering.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

breath Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • bate: Alan is waiting with bated breath for the new Star Wars film ( OK, we are all keen to see it!

Adjective modifier

  • deep: Take a deep breath here, you have nearly finished!

Preposition: on

  • exertion: On the 17th February 1992 Mrs. Fielder was noted to be suffering from shortness of breath on exertion, with palpitations.

Modifies a noun

  • freshener: Parsley has a pleasant flavor and is often used as a breath freshener particularly after eating raw garlic and onions.

Preposition: of

  • air: Their style of music is a true breath of fresh air.

Noun used with modifier

  • urea: Stool antigen tests do not require a separate appointment at the practice and are cheaper than carbon urea breath testing.
breath usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

breath quotes

   Art cannot hold its breath too long without dying.

-Antheil, George

The sea of faith Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled. But now I only hear Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar, Retreating, to the breath Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear And naked shingles of the world.

-Arnold, Matthew

Her cabined ample Spirit, It fluttered and failed for breath. Tonight it doth inherit The vasty hall of death.

-Arnold, Matthew

breath quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"breath." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/breath>

APA Style

breath. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/breath

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