n.
Pronunciation: ˌ as-p ə - ' r ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a : audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound b : the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration also : the symbol of an aspiration
2 : a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as a : the act of breathing and especially of breathing in b : the withdrawal of fluid or tissue from the body c : the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
3 a : a strong desire to achieve something high or great b : an object of such desire
synonyms see AMBITION
– as · pi · ra · tion · al \ - ' r ā -sh( ə -)n ə l \ adjective