Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Breath?

\Breath\ (br[e^]th), n. [OE. breth, breeth, AS. br[=ae][eth] odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. br[=a]dam steam, vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. {Brawn}, and {Breed}.] 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. --Shak. 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. --Hood. Thou takest away their breath, they die. --Ps. civ. 29. 4. Time to breathe; respite; pause. Give me some breath, some little pause. --Shak. 5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant. He smiles and he frowns in a breath. --Dryden. 6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life. The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life. --Byron. 7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle. A breath can make them, as a breath has made. --Goldsmith. 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. --Addison. 9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume. --Tennison. The breath of flowers. --Bacon. 10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration. An after dinner's breath. --Shak. {Out of breath}, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty. {Under one's breath}, in low tones.