noun
inspiration
The act of drawing air into the lungs.
During inspiration, the diaphragm moves downward as the lungs expand.
Etymology
Latin inspiratio names breathing in or into something. The physiological noun preserves that literal breathing sense for taking air into the lungs.
More examples
- The doctor listens for a wheezing sound during inspiration.
- A deep inspiration fills her lungs before she dives.
- The machine measures the air drawn in during each inspiration.
Forms
inspiration · inspirations
inspiratory adjective — Relating to the act of breathing in.
Similar words
- inhalation
- Inhalation is the more common term for breathing in.
- breath
- A breath can include both inhaling and exhaling.