noun

inhalation

in-huh-LAY-shun/ˌɪnhəˈleɪʃn/

The drawing of air or another substance into the lungs.

Each slow inhalation draws fresh air deep into her lungs.

A young woman draws in the scent of a flower held just beneath her nose; a small inward-pointing airflow arrow makes the direction of breathing explicit.

Etymology

inLatinon, upon

+halLatinto breathe

+ationLatinact or process

The Latin elements originally meant breathing upon something. Inhalation uses that combination as though it meant breathing inward, naming the act of drawing air or another substance in.

In context

Storytime Haven462:51

a mixture of compressed amyl nitrate and hydrocyanic gas, which, when released, a single inhalation caused instant death.

The Place of Dragons: A Mystery 🐉🔍 | A Thrilling Suspenseful Adventure by William Le Queux

More examples

Smoke inhalation sends several residents to the hospital.
The medicine enters the lungs through inhalation.
Her inhalations become slower as she relaxes.

Forms

inhalation · inhalations

inhale verb — Draw air or substances into the lungs.

inhaler noun — Device that delivers medicine for breathing in.

Similar words

breath: Can refer to air drawn in or breathed out.
breathing: Includes both drawing air in and letting it out.