Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

The lungs and breathing

airway

noun

a tube in your body that carries air into your lungs from your nose or mouth

artificial respiration

noun

the process of forcing air into the lungs of a person who has stopped breathing by blowing into their mouth or nose in order to make them start breathing again

asphyxia

noun

a situation in which you cannot breathe because the airway to your lungs is blocked

bad breath

noun

breath that smells unpleasant

blow

noun

an act of blowing air from your mouth or nose

breath

noun

the air that goes in and out of your body through your nose or mouth

breath

noun

the act of getting air into your lungs by breathing

breathing

noun

the process of taking air into the body and letting it out again, or the sound of this

bronchial tube

noun

one of the tubes in your chest through which air goes into your lungs

bronchiole

noun

a very small tube inside your lungs that is connected to one of your bronchi (=the two main tubes inside each lung)

bronchus

noun

one of the two main tubes coming from your trachea that carry air into your lungs. It has many smaller tubes called bronchioles connected to it.

chest

noun

used for referring to health problems in the area of your chest, especially in your lungs

diaphragm

noun

the large muscle between your lungs and your stomach that helps you breathe

gasp

noun

a sudden noisy breath that is usually caused by surprise, shock, or pain

gasp

noun

an attempt to get enough air into your lungs by breathing in quickly

inhalation

noun

the process of breathing air, smoke, or other substances into your lungs

lung

noun

one of the two organs in your chest that fill with air when you breathe

puff

noun

the action of blowing or breathing out air so that it makes a sound

puff

noun

enough breath or strength to do something

respiration

noun

the process of breathing air in and out

sigh

noun

a slow breath out that makes a long soft sound, especially because you are disappointed, tired, annoyed, or relaxed

sniff

noun

a sound or act of breathing in through your nose

sputum

noun

a thick unpleasant substance that is produced in your throat and lungs when you have an infection

vital signs

noun

the signs that show you are alive, for example your breathing or your heartbeat

wind

noun

the air in your lungs

windpipe

noun

the tube in your body that carries air into your lungs from your nose or mouth

exhalation

noun

an intake of breath

a sudden act of breathing in, especially when you are shocked by something

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

neutrino

a particle that is smaller than an atom and has no electrical charge

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog