(ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən)
noun
1. the process in living organisms of taking in oxygen from the surroundings & giving out carbon dioxide (external respiration). In terrestrial animals this is effected by breathing air.
2. the chemical breakdown of complex organic substances, such as carbohydrates and fats, that takes place in the cells and tissues of animals & plants, during which energy is released & carbon dioxide produced (internal respiration).
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