breather

Noun

WordNet 3.0

a short respiteSynonyms: breath breathing place breathing space breathing spell breathing time
air passage provided by a retractable device containing intake and exhaust pipes; permits a submarine to stay submerged for extended periods of timeSynonyms: snorkel schnorkel schnorchel snorkel breather

Breather \Breath"er\, n.

1.One who breathes. Hence: (a) One who lives. (b) One who utters. (c) One who animates or inspires. [1913 Webster]

2.That which puts one out of breath, as violent exercise. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

3.a pause to catch one's breath, or for some other form of rest or refreshment; -- often used in the phrase

to take a breather, i.e. to pause for refreshment. [Colloq.] [PJC]

4.a vent in a container to allow equalization of internal and external pressure. [PJC]

5.an air intake pipe to provide air to machinery or people submerged or otherwise sealed off from the outside. [PJC]