the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration.

respiration, esp. as necessary to life.

life; vitality.

the ability to breathe easily and normally

She stopped to regain her breath.

time to breathe; pause or respite

Give him a little breath.

a single inhalation or respiration

He took a deep breath.

the brief time required for a single respiration; a moment or instant

They gave it to her and took it away all in a breath.

a slight suggestion, hint, or whisper

The breath of slander never touched her.

a light current of air.

Phonetics .

the air drawn into or expelled from the lungs to provide the generative source for most speech sounds.

the audible expiration generating voiceless speech sounds, as ( p ), ( k ), ( sh ), etc.

moisture emitted in respiration, esp. when condensed and visible.

a trivial circumstance; trifle.

an odorous exhalation, or the air impregnated by it.

Obsolete . exhalation or vapor. ?

below or under one's breath

in a low voice or whisper; sotto voce

He protested under his breath because he was afraid to speak up.

catch one's breath

to pause or rest before continuing an activity or beginning a new one; resume regular breathing

Let me catch my breath before I begin anything new.

in the same breath

at virtually the same time; almost simultaneously

She lost her temper and apologized in the same breath.

out of breath, exhausted or gasping for breath

in consequence of an effort; breathless

After climbing to the top of the tower, we were so out of breath that we had to sit down.

save one's breath

to avoid futile talk or discussion

We were told to save our breath because the matter had already been decided.

take away one's breath

to make one as if breathless with astonishment; surprise; stun

The sheer beauty of the sea took away my breath. Also, take one's breath away.

noun

animation , breathing , eupnea , exhalation , expiration , gasp , gulp , inhalation , inspiration , insufflation , pant , wheeze , aroma , faint breeze , flatus , flutter , gust , odor , puff , sigh , smell , vapor , waft , whiff , zephyr , blow * , breather , breathing space * , instant , moment , pause , rest , second , ten * , dash , murmur , shade , soupon , streak , suspicion , touch , trace , undertone , whisper , divine spark , lan vital , life force , psyche , soul , vital force , vitality , respiration , ghost , hair , hint , intimation , semblance , shadow , suggestion , taste , tinge , apnea , asphyxiation , blow , breeze , emanation , halitus , huff , hyperventilation , hypopnea , lifeblood , pneuma , polypnea , prana , respite , suspiration , utterance , wind