ventilation (n.)

"process of replacing foul air in an enclosed place with fresh, pure air," 1660s, from Latin ventilationem (nominative ventilatio) "an exposing to the air," noun of action from past participle stem of ventilare (see ventilate).

Entries linking to ventilation

ventilate (v.)

early 15c., "to scatter, disperse (as the wind does)," from Latin ventilatus, past participle of ventilare "to brandish, toss in the air, winnow, fan, agitate, set in motion," from ventulus "a breeze," diminutive of ventus "wind" (from PIE *wē-nt-o‑ "blowing," suffixed (participial) form of root *we- "to blow").

Original notion is of cleaning grain by tossing it in the air and letting the wind blow away the chaff. Meaning "supply a room with fresh air" first recorded 1743, a verbal derivative of ventilation. Formerly with diverse slang senses, including "shoot" (someone), recorded from 1875, on the notion of "make holes in." Related: Ventilated; ventilating.

hyperventilation (n.)

1877, "method of treating certain diseases (especially tuberculosis) by exposing them to drafts of air," from hyper- "over, exceedingly, to excess" + ventilation. From 1907 as "extremely rapid deep breathing, short for hyperventilation of the lungs (1902).

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Definitions of ventilation

ventilation (n.)

the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air;

Synonyms: airing

ventilation (n.)

a mechanical system in a building that provides fresh air;

she was continually adjusting the ventilation

Synonyms: ventilation system / ventilating system

ventilation (n.)

free and open discussion of (or debate on) some question of public interest;

Synonyms: public discussion

ventilation (n.)

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation;

Synonyms: breathing / external respiration / respiration

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near ventilation

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