breath
UK[breθ]US[breθ]
n
the air that you take into your lungs and send out again
n
a single act of breathing in air and then letting it out
Etymology
the word "breath" originates from the old english "brǣþ," which meant "odor, scent, exhalation, vapor." this old english term is derived from the proto-germanic brēþaz, meaning "odor, vapor." the semantic evolution is clear: the core concept of an exhalation or emanation from the body (initially focused on its smell) narrowed and specialized to refer specifically to the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. this proto-germanic root can be traced further back to the proto-indo-european root bʰrē- meaning "to smell, have a strong odor," linking the modern, more neutral concept of breath to its ancient sensory origin.
Analysis
the word "breath" is a simplex word of old english origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
his breath was visible in the cold morning air.
the runner was out of breath after the sprint.