Aspirate

/ˈæspɪreɪt/ verb

Definition

To pronounce a sound with a noticeable burst of air, or to draw in breath or fluid using suction.

Etymology

From Latin 'aspirare' (to breathe upon, to blow on), from 'ad-' (to) + 'spirare' (to breathe), combining into 'to breathe toward.'

Kelly Says

Doctors aspirate fluid from joints with needles, linguists aspirate consonants with air bursts—both use the same Latin root that means 'to breathe toward!'

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