Åndedrag

Åndedrag is a noun used in Norwegian to denote a breath—the act of breathing or the air taken into and expelled from the lungs. It can refer to a single breath, the pattern of breathing, or metaphorically to a momentary pause or effort. In everyday Norwegian, phrases such as 'et åndedrag' (a breath) or 'ta et dypt åndedrag' (take a deep breath) are common. The word reflects the close link between breathing and life, health, and physical activity.

Etymology and related forms: The term combines a root meaning breath with a verb-like element implying drawing in. It is cognate with other Scandinavian terms for breath and shares roots with older Germanic languages.

Physiology: Breathing is part of respiration. The lungs, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles enable inhalation and exhalation; the brainstem regulates the cycle through autonomic control, with voluntary override. A typical resting rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute in healthy adults; this rate varies with age, fitness, activity, altitude, and illness. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, supplying oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Breathing patterns can be affected by conditions such as asthma, COPD, anxiety, or sleep disorders.

Usage: In literature and speech, åndedrag may be used literally or metaphorically to indicate a pause, a moment of breath, or a plan shaped by breath control. In medicine and physiology, it is used to describe respiratory function and assessment, such as counting breaths or evaluating breathing quality.