The building blocks of English
Affixes
spir(o)-2
The breath; breathing.
Latin spirare, to breathe.
A spirograph is an instrument for recording breathing movements, as is a spirometer, both of which record their results on spirograms; the process of investigation is called spirometry (Spirograph is also the name given to a toy for drawing intricate curved patterns, from spiro‑1.) In zoology, a spiracle is an external respiratory opening, for example on an insect.
Support this website
This dictionary contains more than 1,250 entries, illustrated by some 10,000 examples, all defined and explained for your information and emjoyment.
There are no advertisements to interrupt your reading pleasure. I rely on your generosity to cover running costs. Donations made via PayPal are secure.