aspirate
|as-pir-ate|
/ˈæspəreɪt/
to breathe (on/in); draw breath
Etymology
'aspirate' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'aspirare', where 'ad-' (later assimilated to 'asp-') meant 'to, toward' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe'.
'aspirare' (Latin) passed into Late Latin as 'aspiratus/aspirare' and entered English via scholarly/medical and linguistic usage (from Latin directly and via French influence), developing into the modern English 'aspirate'.
Initially it meant 'to breathe upon or toward' in Latin; over time it broadened to include 'to draw by suction', 'to inhale (accidentally)', and 'to pronounce with breath' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(Linguistics) An aspirated sound; a consonant pronounced with a strong burst of breath.
The aspirate in his pronunciation made the /p/ sound breathy.
Synonyms
Noun 2
(Medical) Material or fluid removed by aspiration (a sample obtained by suction).
The lab analyzed the aspirate from the patient's lung.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to remove (a substance) by suction; to draw out by suction (medical).
The doctor aspirated the fluid from the wound.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to inhale or draw (something, especially food or liquid) into the lungs (often accidentally).
He aspirated a piece of food and began to cough.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
(Linguistics) To pronounce (a consonant) with an accompanying burst of breath (aspiration).
Speakers of that dialect aspirate initial voiceless stops.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/31 19:18