air-breathe

[ air-breeth ]

verb (used without object)

, air-breathed [air, -bree, th, d], air-breath·ing.

1. (of an engine, aircraft, missile, etc.) to take in air from the atmosphere to oxidize the fuel for combustion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air-breathe¹

air ¹ + breathe

Example Sentences

We sat down together close to the window, and let the fragrant summer air breathe over our faces.

From Project Gutenberg

They held the young mill-owner captive, and hardly let the air breathe or the sun shine on him.

From Project Gutenberg