ex·pi·ra·to·ry \ikˈspīrəˌtōrē, ek-, -tȯr-; ˈeksp(ə)rə-, -ri\adjective Etymology: probably from expiration, after such pairs as English exploration: exploratory 1.: of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs < the expiratory muscles > 2.of accent: characterized by variations dependent on variation in force of expiration — compare dynamic, stress accent