Ex`ha*la"tion (?), n. [L. exhalatio: cf. F. exhalaison, exhalation.]

1.

The act or process of exhaling, or sending forth in the form of steam or vapor; evaporation.

2.

That which is exhaled, or which rises in the form of vapor, fume, or steam; effluvium; emanation; as, exhalations from the earth or flowers, decaying matter, etc.

Ye mists and exhalations, that now rise
From hill or steaming lake.
Milton.

3.

A bright phenomenon; a meteor.

I shall fall
Like a bright exhalation in the evening.
Shak.

© Webster 1913.