inspiration

1. (physiology, uncountable) The drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm, as part of the act of breathing.Examples: "Holonym: respiration"; "The respiratory movements are no longer normal and rhythmic acts of inspiration and exspiration, but abnormal and irregular expiratory movements"; "If a reaction involves increased muscle tonus and too much inspiration, muscle relaxation and exhalation exercises might be of use."Synonyms: inhalationAntonyms: expiration, exhalationuncountable

2. (countable) A single inward breath (intake of air).Examples: "Laughing is produced by an inspiration succeeded by a succession of short imperfect expirations."; "One of them had a temperature of 40° cent. 104° Fahr. and 97 inspirations per minute."; "On physical examination, blood pressure was 145/70 mm Hg, pulse was 108 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 36 inspirations per minute, body temperature was 38 ºC and her oxygen saturation (during nasal oxygen intake) was 93%."Synonyms: inhalationAntonyms: expiration, exhalationcountable