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.