1. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. 2. The act or process of breathing; respiration. 3. The capacity to breathe, especially in a natural and unlabored manner: shortness of breath.4. Spirit or vitality; life. 5. A single respiration: a deep breath.6. Exhaled air, as evidenced by vapor, odor, or heat. 7. A momentary pause or rest. 8a. A momentary stirring of air. b. A slight gust of fragrant air. 9. A trace or suggestion: a breath of scandal.10. A softly spoken sound; a whisper. 11.Linguistics Exhalation of air without vibration of the vocal cords, as in the articulation of p and s.
IDIOMS:
inone(or the same)breath At or almost at the same time. out of breath Breathing with difficulty, as from exertion; gasping. under (one's) breath In a muted voice or whisper.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English breth, from Old English brth. See gwhr- in Appendix I.
br
th
th. See gwhr
- in Appendix I.
