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BREATHING

b-r-e-a-t-h-i-n-g

Noun
Basic Level
9 Letters

Quick Definition

BREATHING is the process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs, essential for gas exchange and sustaining life in air-breathing organisms.

Scrabble Points

15

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

BREATHING (also called pulmonary ventilation) is the physical process of moving air into and out of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange with the internal environment. This rhythmic process brings oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide, sustaining cellular respiration and life. Breathing involves two phases: inhalation (inspiration) when the diaphragm contracts and air enters the lungs, and exhalation (expiration) when the diaphragm relaxes and air is expelled. While often automatic, breathing can be consciously controlled.Components of breathing:

  • Diaphragm: Primary muscle driving breathing movements
  • Intercostal muscles: Assist in expanding and contracting chest cavity
  • Neural control: Medulla oblongata regulates automatic breathing
  • Gas exchange: Occurs in alveoli through diffusion
  • Etymology & Origin

    The word breathing derives from Middle English brethen, from Old English brǣþan, meaning "to breathe, respire." This is related to brǣþ (breath), from Proto-Germanic *brēþaz. The Indo-European root *bhrē- meant "to burn, heat," connecting breath to the warmth of living beings. Related words appear across Germanic languages: German Atem, Dutch adem. The gerund form "breathing" as a noun became common in Middle English, emphasizing the continuous nature of the process.

    Did You Know?

    The average adult breathes about 12-20 times per minute at rest, totaling 17,000-30,000 breaths daily

    Controlled breathing techniques can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones

    Dolphins and whales must consciously decide to breathe, unlike humans who breathe automatically

    The world record for holding breath underwater is over 24 minutes (with pure oxygen preparation)

    Usage Examples

    "Deep breathing exercises helped calm her nerves before the important presentation."

    "The doctor listened to his breathing patterns to check for any respiratory issues."

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    Letter Analysis

    Letter Distribution

    B (3 pts)
    1x
    R (1 pts)
    1x
    E (1 pts)
    1x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    T (1 pts)
    1x
    H (4 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    N (1 pts)
    1x
    G (2 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 6

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