external respiration

external respiration

n.

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the environment and respiratory organs such as gills or lungs.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

external respiration - the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation breathing, respiration, ventilation artificial respiration - an emergency procedure whereby breathing is maintained artificially abdominal breathing - breathing in which most of the respiratory effort is done by the abdominal muscles; "abdominal breathing is practiced by singers" eupnea, eupnoea - normal relaxed breathing hyperpnea - energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders hypopnea - slow or shallow breathing hyperventilation - an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued panting, heaving - breathing heavily (as after exertion) Cheyne-Stokes respiration, periodic breathing - abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate smoking, smoke - the act of smoking tobacco or other substances; "he went outside for a smoke"; "smoking stinks" breathing out, exhalation, expiration - the act of expelling air from the lungs snoring, stertor, snore - the act of snoring or producing a snoring sound sniffle, snuffle, snivel - the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested) wheeze - breathing with a husky or whistling sound second wind - the return of relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion breathing in, inhalation, intake, aspiration, inspiration - the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing bodily function, bodily process, body process, activity - an organic process that takes place in the body; "respiratory activity"