breathing

noun
  1. The process of inhaling and exhaling air to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. noun
    Proper breathing techniques can help reduce stress.
    The doctor checked her breathing to ensure she was stable.
  2. The act of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs. verb
    He was breathing heavily after the long run.
    She could hear the gentle breathing of the sleeping baby.
  3. A pause or rest in speech or writing, often marked by a punctuation mark. noun
    He took a breathing before continuing his speech.
    The poem had a natural breathing at the end of each stanza.