breath

breath [breth]

n.

[ME breth < OE bræth, odor, exhalation < IE base * bher-, well up > FERMENT, BARM, BROOD]

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)

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catch one's breath

1. to gasp

2. to return to normal breathing after exertion

3. Informal to rest or pause

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in the same breath

almost simultaneously

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out of breath

breathless, as from exertion

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save one's breath

Informal to refrain from talking when talk would be useless

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take someone's breath away

strike someone with awe; thrill

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under one's breath or below one's breath

in a whisper or murmur