What is "out of breath"

Breath \Breath\ (br[e^]th), n. [OE. breth, breeth, AS. br[=ae][eth] odor, scent, breath; cf. OHG. br[=a]dam steam, vapor, breath, G. brodem, and possibly E. Brawn, and Breed.]

1. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.

   Melted as breath into the wind.
   --Shak.

2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.

3. The power of respiration, and hence, life.
   --Hood.

   Thou takest away their breath, they die.
   --Ps. civ. 29.

4. Time to breathe; respite; pause.

   Give me some breath, some little pause.
   --Shak.

5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.

   He smiles and he frowns in a breath.
   --Dryden.

6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.

   The earthquake voice of victory, To thee the breath of life.
   --Byron.

7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.

   A breath can make them, as a breath has made.
   --Goldsmith.

8. A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.

   Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea, when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface.
   --Addison.

9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
   --Tennison.

   The breath of flowers.
   --Bacon.

10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.

    An after dinner's breath.
    --Shak.

    Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.

    Under one's breath, in low tones.

a. breathing with difficulty

adj. breathing laboriously or convulsively [syn: blown, gasping, out of breath(p), panting, pursy, short-winded, winded]