expiratory

adjective

ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce expiratory (audio)
ek-;
ˈek-sp(ə-)rə- How to pronounce expiratory (audio)
: of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expiratory was circa 1847

Dictionary Entries Near expiratory

Cite this Entry

“Expiratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expiratory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

expiratory

adjective
ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce expiratory (audio)
ek-,
-ˌtȯr-;
ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-
: of, relating to, or used in breathing air out of the lungs

Medical Definition

expiratory

adjective
ex·​pi·​ra·​to·​ry ik-ˈspī-rə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce expiratory (audio) ek- How to pronounce expiratory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-; ˈek-sp(ə-)rə-
: of, relating to, or employed in the expiration of air from the lungs
expiratory muscles
an expiratory cough
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!