exhalation

[ eks-huh-ley-shuhn, ek-suh- ]

noun

1. the act of exhaling.
2. something that is exhaled; vapor; emanation.

exhalation

/ ĕks′hə-lā′shən /

1. The act of breathing out air. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, causing compression of the lungs and an outward flow of air.
2. Also called expiration
3. Compare inhalation

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhalation¹

1350–1400; Middle English exalacion < Latin exhālātiōn- (stem of exhālātiō ). See exhale, -ation

Example Sentences

Their vocal cords did not close, and their abdominal muscles did not contract, as they normally do during exhalation for vocalization.

From Science Daily

"Even though the exact mechanism and complexity of vocalization in mice and humans is really different, the fundamental vocalization process, called phonation, which requires vocal cord closure and the exhalation of air, is shared in both the human and the mouse," Park says.

From Science Daily

While a brick home can resist the powerful exhalation of a wolf, it’s no match for wind-driven rain served up by a wicked storm.

From Seattle Times

In a long exhalation, she sets her dancers free.

From New York Times

"This means that most of the water added to the air during inhalation is then recovered during exhalation."

From Science Daily