Meaning & use
respiration
The process by which living organisms take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide to produce energy.
See it in a sentence
Respiration in humans occurs mainly through the lungs, where oxygen enters the bloodstream.
Plants also carry out respiration at night, releasing carbon dioxide once photosynthesis stops.
A note on using this word
In biology, respiration usually means cellular energy production, which overlaps with but is not identical to breathing.
Words with a similar meaning
breathing
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
The physical act of breathing air into and out of the lungs.
The nurse checked the patient's respiration rate every hour throughout the night.
Make it your own
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