Definition of: breath

(breth) noun
1. Air inhaled or exhaled in respiration.
2. A single act of respiration: He drew a long breath
3. Power to breathe, or to breathe freely; life.
4. The time of a single respiration; an instant.
5. Something resembling breath; a gentle movement of air; an exhalation.
6. Some slight thing, as a word or a rumor.
7. Phonet. An exhalation of air without vibration of the vocal cords, as in the production of (p) and (f).
8. The moisture condensed on cold objects or in cold air caused by the act of breathing.
9. Anything caused by breathing, as an utterance.
10. Time to breathe; delay; intermission; respite.
—in the same breath At the same moment; without a pause or break.
—to take one's breath away To overawe; produce sudden emotion.
—under one's breath In a whisper. [OE brœth vapor, odor]