Ex`pi*ra"tion (?), n. [L. expiratio,exspiratio: cf. F. expiration. See Expire.]

1.

The act of expiring

; as: (a)Physiol.

The act or process of breathing out, or forcing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth; as, respiration consists of inspiration and expiration; -- opposed to inspiration

. (b)

Emission of volatile matter; exhalation.

The true cause of cold is an expiration from the globe of the earth. Bacon.

(c)

The last emission of breath; death

. "The groan of expiration."

Rambler.

(d)

A coming to a close; cessation; extinction; termination; end

.

Before the expiration of thy time. Shak.

2.

That which is expired; matter breathed forth; that which is produced by breathing out, as a sound.

The aspirate "he," which is . . . a gentle expiration. G. Sharp.

 

© Webster 1913.