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 aspiration
2 : 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