the physical process, e.g. breathing, by which air or dissolved gases are taken into the body and brought into contact with the blood or other liquid circulating in an organism
the action of breathing
a single act of breathing in and out
the processes by which most organisms supply their cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for life-supporting processes and remove the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions
any of various processes occurring in all living cells by which food substances are broken down to yield energy, and that in most animals and plants involve the use of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide
respirational adj
respiratory /ʹrespirət(ə)ri, riʹspi-/ adj