WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ex`pi*ra"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. expiratio,exspiratio: cf. F. expiration. See Expire.]
Definition : 1. The act of expiring; as: (a)(Physiol.)

Defn: 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 Ant: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913