ventilation
UK: ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃən | US: ˌvɛntəˈleɪʃən
n. the process of supplying fresh air to a room, building, etc., and removing stale or polluted air
n. the act of ventilating or the state of being ventilated
n. (medicine) the process of breathing or circulating air through the lungs
The word "ventilation" traces back to Latin ventus (wind) + -il- (a connective element) + -ation (noun-forming suffix). The root vent- reflects the core idea of air movement, while -ation turns the verb "ventilate" into a noun. Historically, it evolved from describing literal wind or airflow to encompassing mechanical air circulation systems in modern contexts. The morphemes preserve a clear link to the original Latin concept of wind (ventus), making the word’s meaning logically transparent.
Proper ventilation is essential in laboratories to prevent the buildup of hazardous fumes.
The architect designed the building with natural ventilation to reduce energy costs.
The patient required mechanical ventilation after the surgery.
Open the windows to improve ventilation in this stuffy room.
The ventilation system malfunctioned, causing discomfort for the office workers.