What does "ventilation" mean?

1. (fresh air circulation) the movement of fresh air around a room or building to replace old air. 2. (breathing) the physical act of breathing air in and out of your lungs. 3. (medical breathing support) the use of a machine to help a person breathe when they cannot do it themselves. 4. (public discussion) the act of talking about a problem or idea openly so everyone knows about it.

How do you use "ventilation"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general quality of air. In medical contexts, this refers specifically to the movement of gas in and out of the lungs. Often used as a shorthand for 'mechanical ventilation' in hospital settings.

ventilation

US //ˌvɛnəˈɫeɪʃən// UK //vˌɛntɪlˈeɪʃən// ven·ti·la·tion

1 fresh air circulation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the movement of fresh air around a room or building to replace old air.

the process of replacing stale or noxious air with fresh air within an enclosed space.

Example

The classroom has very poor ventilation because the windows are stuck shut.

Example

Modern office buildings require sophisticated ventilation systems to maintain air quality and regulate temperature in windowless interior zones.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general quality of air.
- airing
- aeration
2 breathing (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the physical act of breathing air in and out of your lungs.

the physiological process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.

Example

The doctor checked the patient's ventilation to make sure they were breathing deeply enough.

Example

During intense physical exercise, the rate of pulmonary ventilation increases significantly to meet the muscles' demand for oxygen.

Usage

In medical contexts, this refers specifically to the movement of gas in and out of the lungs.
- respiration
- breathing

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 medical breathing support (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the use of a machine to help a person breathe when they cannot do it themselves.

the clinical provision of mechanical assistance to maintain or replace a patient's spontaneous breathing.

Example

The patient was put on mechanical ventilation after the surgery.

Example

The medical team monitored the settings on the ventilation unit to ensure the patient was receiving the correct volume of oxygen.

Usage

Often used as a shorthand for 'mechanical ventilation' in hospital settings.
- life support
4 public discussion (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal

the act of talking about a problem or idea openly so everyone knows about it.

the public exposure or open discussion of a topic, issue, or grievance.

Example

The meeting allowed for a full ventilation of all the staff's complaints.

Example

The committee felt that a public ventilation of the proposed changes was necessary before a final vote could be taken.

Teacher's tip

This is a figurative use of the word; it implies 'airing out' ideas like one would air out a room.
- suppression

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French ventilation, from Old French ventilacion, from Late Latin ventilatio, from Latin ventilo. Morphologically ventilate + -ion.