aspiration

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the sound of a small breath that comes out when you say certain letters, like 'p' or 't'.

n. the audible breath that accompanies the release of a stop consonant.

“In English, the letter 'p' at the start of 'pin' has a strong aspiration.”

“The linguist noted that the speaker's lack of aspiration on initial voiceless stops was characteristic of a specific regional accent.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

n. the act of removing fluid or tissue from the body using a needle.

n. the removal of fluids or gases from a body cavity or the suction of tissue samples through a needle.

“The doctor performed a needle aspiration to check the lump for infection.”

“Fine-needle aspiration is a common diagnostic procedure used to determine whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

n. accidentally breathing food or liquid into your lungs instead of swallowing it.

n. the act of inhaling foreign material into the lungs or respiratory tract.

“The nurse monitored the patient closely to prevent the aspiration of fluids into the lungs.”

“Patients with swallowing difficulties are at a significantly higher risk of pulmonary aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.”