Main Entry: res·pi·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌres-pə-ˈrā-shən\

Function: noun

1 a : the movement of respiratory gases (as oxygen and carbon dioxide) into and out of the lungs b : a single complete act of breathing <30 respirations per minute>
2 : the physical and chemical processes (as breathing and diffusion) by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
3 : cellular respiration