Search
Select the dictionary language
to respire
01
to breathe in and out, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the lungs
Intransitive
Examples
Humans respire to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in their lungs.
Fish respire through gills, extracting oxygen from water.
02
(of a plant) to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide during the night instead of performing photosynthesis
Intransitive
Examples
At night, the plant continues to respire, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Unlike during the day, plants respire at night without using sunlight for photosynthesis.
03
to regain normal breathing after exertion or stress
Intransitive
Examples
After the long run, she stopped to respire and catch her breath.
He leaned against the wall, trying to respire after the intense workout.
Lexical Tree
respiration
respirator
respiratory
respire
