SUSPIRIUM
\səspˈɪɹi͡əm], \səspˈɪɹiəm], \s_ə_s_p_ˈɪ_ɹ_iə_m]\
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A short breathing. A slow, voluntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, the effect of which is to restore the due relation between the circulation and respiration, or to free ourselves from an inconvenient sense of weight felt in the chest, when we are much depressed, - a weight, which appears to be chiefly dependent on the functions of the heart being disturbed through the moral influence. The sigh differs from the sob :-the latter being involuntary and spasmodic. Sighing, occurring in fevers to a great extent, indicates considerable depression. When accompanied with a vocal sound, it constitutes a groan.
By Robley Dunglison
Word of the day
Fuerbringer's hand-disinfection's sign
- thrust into a collection of below diaphragm move with respiratory movements, whereas if pus is in pleural cavity the needle will remain stationary, or nearly so.