breathing - the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalationabdominal breathing - breathing in which most of the respiratory effort is done by the abdominal muscles; "abdominal breathing is practiced by singers" hyperpnea - energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders hyperventilation - an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued smoking, smoke - the act of smoking tobacco or other substances; "he went outside for a smoke"; "smoking stinks" sniffle, snuffle, snivel - the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested) wheeze - breathing with a husky or whistling sound second wind - the return of relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion |