aspiration /as′pirā′shən/ , 1. drawing in or out by suction. 2. the act of withdrawing a fluid, such as mucus or serum, from the body by a suction device. −aspirate, n. 3. the misdirection of food or liquid during swallowing or breathing, as in aspiration of saliva. May be related to mass effects of tumors, or loss or diminished sensation, including loss of cough reflex. See also aspiration pneumonia.
