Main Entry:

as·pi·ra·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1 a: audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound b: the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration ; also : the symbol of an aspiration2: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as a: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in b: the withdrawal of fluid or tissue from the body c: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current 3 a: a strong desire to achieve something high or great b: an object of such desire

synonyms see ambition

— as·pi·ra·tion·al \-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective