ventilation — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The replacement of stale or noxious air with fresh.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   So you punched out a window for ventilation. Was that before or after you noticed you were standing in a lake of gasoline?

2. The mechanical system used to circulate and replace air.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. An exchange of views during a discussion.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. The public exposure of an issue or topic.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   "No, Mr. Malone, I will place no restriction upon your correspondence, since the ventilation of the facts is the object of your journey; but I demand that you shall give no particulars as to your exact destination, and that nothing be actually published until your return."

5. The bodily process of breathing; the inhalation of air to provide oxygen, and the exhalation of spent air to remove carbon dioxide.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   respiration

   Examples

   This toxin impairs ventilation by causing inflammation in the bronchioles.

Noun

1. the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air

   Synonyms

   airing

   Broader terms

   improvement

2. a mechanical system in a building that provides fresh air

   Synonyms

   ventilation systemventilating system

   Broader terms

   mechanical system

   Examples

   she was continually adjusting the ventilation

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

   Synonyms

   public discussion

   Broader terms

   discussiongive-and-takeword

   Examples

   such a proposal deserves thorough public discussion

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

   Synonyms

   breathingexternal respirationrespiration

   Broader terms

   bodily processbody processbodily functionactivity