prebreathe

/prɪˈbriːθ/

Definitions

1. verb

to breathe in a gas or mixture before breathing in another to prevent contamination or to prepare the body for a change in environment or to remove existing gases from the body

“To safely ascend to high altitudes, climbers will prebreathe pure oxygen.”

2. noun

the act of breathing in a gas or mixture before breathing in another

“The prebreathe is a crucial step in scuba diving procedures.”

Synonyms

  • breathe-in
  • pre-oxygenate

Antonyms

  • de-oxygenate
  • exhale