To aerate, or oxygenate, the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. SYN: air (2). [L. ventilo, pp. -atus, to fan, fr. ventus, the wind]
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ven·ti·late 'vent-əl-.āt vt, -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1) to expose to air and esp. to a current of fresh air for purifying or refreshing
b) to subject the lungs of (an individual) to ventilation <artifically \ventilate a patient in respiratory distress>
3) to give verbal expression to (as mental or emotional conflicts)
Medical dictionary. 2011.