WordValerespiration
the release of energy from food within cells
In more detail
1. (noun) the process of breathing in and out
2. (noun) the chemical process in cells that produces energy from food and oxygen
Examples
- 1. The doctor checked the patient's respiration by listening to their breathing.
- 2. During respiration, cells break down glucose to release energy.
How to use respiration
Respiration has two main senses: the physiological act of breathing (often used in medical or exercise contexts), and the biochemical process occurring in cells (used in biology and chemistry). In medical emergencies, 'artificial respiration' or 'mouth-to-mouth respiration' refers to helping someone breathe. The term is more formal than 'breathing' but less specific than 'ventilation' in medical settings.
Common phrases
- artificial respiration
- mouth-to-mouth respiration
- respiration rate
- aerobic respiration
- anaerobic respiration
Synonyms
breathing · ventilation · gas exchange · cellular respiration
Word family
respire (verb) · respiratory (adjective) · respirator (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse respiration (the process of breathing or cellular energy production) with perspiration (sweating). These are phonetically similar but entirely different biological processes.
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