external respiration

noun

: exchange of gases between the external environment and a distributing system of the animal body (such as the lungs of higher vertebrates or the tracheal tubes of insects) or between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood compare internal respiration

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of external respiration was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near external respiration

Cite this Entry

“External respiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/external%20respiration. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

external respiration

noun
: exchange of gases between the external environment and a distributing system of the animal body (as the lungs of higher vertebrates or the tracheal tubes of insects) or between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood compare internal respiration
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