breathing

(brēˈÞĭng)

1. a. The act or process of respiration.
   b. A single breath.
2. The time required to take one's breath.
3. a. Either of two marks, the rough breathing ( ῾ ) and the smooth breathing (  ), used in Greek to indicate presence or absence of aspiration.
   b. The presence or absence of aspiration indicated by either of these marks.