(n) :
the act of
inspiring or
breathing in;
breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of expiration; the act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating
influence upon the
intellect or
emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc