BREATH • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Breath

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/brɛθ/ Listen

noun

Breath n.

1.

The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc. "Melted as breath into the wind."

2.

The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.

3.

The power of respiration, and hence, life. "Thou takest away their breath, they die."

4.

Time to breathe; respite; pause. "Give me some breath, some little pause."

5.

A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant. "He smiles and he frowns in a breath."

6.

Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life. "The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life."

7.

A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle. "A breath can make them, as a breath has made."

8.

A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion. "Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea, when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface."

9.

Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume. "The breath of flowers."

10.

Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration. "An after dinner's breath."

Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.

Under one's breath, in low tones.

See images of 'Breath'

Etymology of 'Breath'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Breath" Quotes from Famous Books

... to see her and, as evidence of our appreciation and safety, gave the original back to her. We have kept no copy, and I wish this burned, if you please. It would raise a riot here, if any breath of it were to get out, that would put bedlam ...

— The Life and Letters of Walter H. Page, Volume I • Burton J. Hendrick

... pressure of the crowd towards the hustings now increased to such a degree, and the heat was so intolerable, that the Sheriffs (the two young Mr. Hillhouses) appeared greatly alarmed; all were grasping for breath, and I believe that some would have suffered from suffocation, if the Sheriffs had not resorted to the expedient of admitting a little fresh air, by dashing to pieces the large Gothic window, or at least ...

— Memoirs of Henry Hunt, Esq. Volume 3 • Henry Hunt

... yellow sandhills beyond the marshes there? Behind them is the sea. Do you catch that breath of wind? Take off your hat, man, and get it into your lungs. It comes from the North Sea, salt and fresh and sweet. I think that it is the purest thing on earth. You can walk here for miles and miles in the open, and the wind is like God's ...

— A Lost Leader • E. Phillips Oppenheim

... 27, 1873. The wearisome solitude of the long evenings did indeed suggest to me the convenience of a club in my neighbourhood, but I have been hindered from attending it by want of breath.' Piozzi Letters, ii. 340. 'Dec. 31. I have much need of entertainment; spiritless, infirm, sleepless, and solitary, looking back with sorrow and forward ...

— Life Of Johnson, Volume 4 (of 6) • Boswell

... a moment or two speechless. He looked at me and drew a long breath. I knew perfectly well what he was thinking. He had had a man on either side of Mr. Parker and Mr. Moss. The only person who could have transferred that pocketbook was myself. I could see him readjusting his ideas as to ...

— An Amiable Charlatan • E. Phillips Oppenheim

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