v. 1 intr. breathe air. 2 intr. inhale and exhale air. 3 intr. (of a plant) carry out respiration. 4 tr. breathe (air etc.). 5 intr. breathe again; take a breath. 6 intr. get rest or respite; recover hope or spirit. respiratory adj.
[ ME f. OF respirer or f. L respirare (as RE-, spirare breathe) ]