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Aspirate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aspirate

[หˆรฆspษ™หŒreษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical procedure

To aspirate means to remove fluid or tissue from a body cavity using a suction device or needle. This technique is commonly used in medical settings to obtain samples for diagnostic purposes or to relieve pressure caused by excess fluid. The act of aspiration is often performed under sterile conditions to prevent infection. It can also refer to the drawing in of air or other substances into the lungs, which can be harmful.

Synonyms

extract, suction, withdraw.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor will aspirate the fluid from the cyst.
  • During the procedure, the nurse assisted in aspirating the excess blood.
  • They used a syringe to aspirate the medication for injection.
Context #2 | Verb

linguistics

In linguistics, aspirate refers to a type of phonetic articulation where a sound, typically a consonant, is pronounced with a burst of breath. This feature is particularly noted in languages like English, where voiceless stops, such as 'p', 't', and 'k' are aspirated at the beginning of a word. The presence of aspiration modifies the sound and influences the way words are perceived and articulated in speech.

Synonyms

breathed, breathy.

Examples of usage

  • The initial 'p' in 'pat' is an aspirate sound.
  • Aspirated consonants can change the meaning of words in some languages.
  • Properly articulating aspirates is crucial for clear pronunciation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Languages like English and Hindi utilize aspiration to distinguish between words: 'pat' (with puff) and 'bat' (without puff) have different meanings.
  • In phonetics, aspirated sounds are denoted by a small superscript 'h' following the letter, such as in 'pสฐ'.
  • Different languages have different rules on aspiration; for example, Mandarin Chinese includes aspiration as a critical part of some consonants.

Pop Culture

  • Aspiration in the broader sense often relates to goals and ambitions, with phrases like 'aspiring artist' common in media.
  • Movies often depict characters overcoming challenges in their journey to 'aspire' to greatness.
  • In music, aspirated sounds can add a unique breathy quality to vocal performances, enhancing emotional expression.

Education

  • Teaching pronunciation, especially in English as a second language, often includes aspirated sounds to aid comprehension.
  • Speech therapy techniques may focus on aspiration to help individuals with speech difficulties make clearer sounds.
  • Engaging with phonetic charts that illustrate aspiration can greatly enhance a learnerโ€™s understanding.

Psychology

  • Aspiration in the psychological sense refers to an individual's motivation to achieve personal goals, often linked to self-identity.
  • Research shows that higher aspirations can lead to better academic performance and personal satisfaction.
  • Understanding aspiration and its impact can help improve strategies for education and personal development.

Origin of 'aspirate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'aspirare' meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow'.
  • This word development is linked to its connection to airflow in pronunciation.
  • Linguists categorize aspirate sounds as voiceless stop consonants.

The word 'aspirate' comes from the Latin 'aspirare', meaning 'to breathe on' or 'to breathe in'. The Latin word is composed of 'ad-', meaning 'to', and 'spirare', which means 'to breathe'. The term has evolved in the medical field to refer specifically to the process of removing substances from the body through suction or inhalation. Its usage has expanded to encompass not only the medical context but also linguistic discussions regarding sound production. The concept has been present in English since at least the mid-19th century, highlighting its significant role in both medicine and phonetics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,805, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.