aspirate

[ verb as-puh-reyt; noun adjective as-per-it ]

verb (used with object)

, as·pi·rat·ed, as·pi·rat·ing.

1. Phonetics.
   1. to articulate (a speech sound, especially a stop) so as to produce an audible puff of breath, as with the first t of total, the second t being unaspirated.
   2. to articulate (the beginning of a word or syllable) with an h -sound, as in which, pronounced (hwich), or hitch as opposed to witch or itch.
2. Medicine/Medical.
   1. to remove (a fluid) from a body cavity by use of an aspirator or suction syringe.
   2. to inhale (fluid or a foreign body) into the bronchi and lungs, often after vomiting.
3. to draw or remove by suction.

noun

1. Phonetics. a speech sound having as an obvious concomitant an audible puff of breath, as initial stop consonants or initial h -sounds.
2. Medicine/Medical. the substance or contents that have been aspirated.

adjective

1. Phonetics. (of a speech sound) pronounced with or accompanied by aspiration; aspirated.

aspirate

verb

1. phonetics
   1. to articulate (a stop) with some force, so that breath escapes with audible friction as the stop is released
   2. to pronounce (a word or syllable) with an initial h
2. to draw in or remove by inhalation or suction, esp to suck (air or fluid) from a body cavity or to inhale (fluid) into the lungs after vomiting
3. to supply air to (an internal-combustion engine)

noun

1. phonetics
   1. a stop pronounced with an audible release of breath
   2. the glottal fricative represented in English and several other languages as h

adjective

1. phonetics (of a stop) pronounced with a forceful and audible expulsion of breath

Other Words From

• non·aspi·rate noun adjective
• non·aspi·rated adjective
• non·aspi·rating adjective
• un·aspi·rated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspirate¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin aspīrātus “breathed upon” (past participle of aspīrāre ); aspire, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

In order to prevent the potential ectopic pregnancy from rupturing in the fallopian tube, which can lead to severe bleeding or death, a doctor would usually go in and aspirate the contents of the uterus.

From Salon

She is concerned that Óisín's cerebral palsy puts him at a greater risk of complications, saying she had been warned there was a danger he could aspirate.

From BBC

If you are gargling at the same time that you are hiccupping, you might aspirate water.

From Seattle Times

Aspiration occurs in one of every 2,000 to 3,000 operations that require sedation, and almost half of patients who aspirate during surgery develop a related lung injury.

From Washington Times

Aspiration occurs in one of every 2,000 to 3,000 operations that require sedation, and almost half of patients who aspirate during surgery develop a related lung injury.

From Seattle Times