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