breath

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration.
2. n. The act or process of breathing; respiration.
3. n. The capacity to breathe, especially in a natural and unlabored manner: shortness of breath.
4. n. Spirit or vitality; life.
5. n. A single respiration: a deep breath.
6. n. Exhaled air, as evidenced by vapor, odor, or heat.
7. n. A momentary pause or rest.
8. n. A momentary stirring of air.
9. n. A slight gust of fragrant air.
10. n. A trace or suggestion: a breath of scandal.
11. n. A softly spoken sound; a whisper.
12. n. Linguistics Exhalation of air without vibration of the vocal cords, as in the articulation of p and s.
13. idiom. one At or almost at the same time.
14. idiom. out of breath Breathing with difficulty, as from exertion; gasping.
15. idiom. under (one's) breath In a muted voice or whisper.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. Vapor; steam; exhalation.
2. n. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration.
3. n. Ability to breathe; life as dependent on respiration.
4. n. The state or power of breathing freely: as, to be out of breath; to be in breath.
5. n. A single act of breathing; a respiration: as, he swears at every breath; to draw a full breath.
6. n. Hence The time of a single respiration; a single act; an instant.
7. n. Respite; pause; time to breathe.
8. n. A gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
9. n. A respiratory movement, as of free air; a blowing.
10. n. Spoken words; speech.
11. n. A mere word; a trivial circumstance; a thing without substance; a trifle.
12. n. An odorous exhalation.
13. n. In philology, a breathing; aspiration; aspirate sound.
14. n. Opinion; sentiments: as, I would fain hear his breath on this matter.

Wiktionary

1. n. uncountable The act or process of breathing.
2. n. countable A single act of breathing in or out.
3. n. uncountable Air expelled from the lungs.
4. n. countable A rest or pause.
5. n. a small amount of something, such as wind, or common sense

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.
2. n. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely.
3. n. The power of respiration, and hence, life.
4. n. Time to breathe; respite; pause.
5. n. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.
6. n. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
7. n. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
8. n. A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.
9. n. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
10. n. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
2. n. a slight movement of the air
3. n. an indirect suggestion
4. n. a short respite
5. n. the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration