n.1 a the air taken into or expelled from the lungs. b one respiration of air. c an exhalation of air that can be seen, smelt, or heard (breath steamed in the cold air; bad breath).
2 a a slight movement of air; a breeze. b a whiff of perfume etc.
3 a whisper, a murmur (esp. of a scandalous nature).
4 the power of breathing; life (is there breath in him?).
Phrases and idioms:
below (or under) one's breath in a whisper. breath of fresh air
1. a small amount of or a brief time in the fresh air.
2 a refreshing change. breath of life a necessity. breath test Brit. a test of a person's alcohol consumption, using a breathalyser.
catch one's breath
1. cease breathing momentarily in surprise, suspense, etc.
2 rest after exercise to restore normal breathing. draw breath breathe; live. hold one's breath cease breathing temporarily. in the same breath (esp. of saying two contradictory things) within a short time. out of breath gasping for air, esp. after exercise. take breath pause for rest. take one's breath away astound; surprise; awe; delight. waste one's breath talk or give advice without effect.
Etymology: OE br{aelig}th f. Gmc