Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of inhaling; the drawing in of air or other gases: This refers to the physical process of breathing in.
   • An opening through which fluid is admitted to a tube or container: This is a physical structure designed to allow the entry of a substance.
   • The process of taking food into the body through the mouth: This describes the consumption of food or drink.

Usage

• As a noun: The word "intake" is typically used as a countable noun. It often refers to a specific quantity or a specific point of entry.
  • It is commonly used in contexts related to health, nutrition, mechanics, and systems.

Examples

• Referring to breathing:
  • The doctor monitored the patient's air intake after the surgery.
  • Deep intakes of breath can help with relaxation.
• Referring to an opening or point of entry:
  • The car's air intake was clogged with leaves.
  • Clean the water intake valve on the washing machine.
• Referring to consumption:
  • You should reduce your daily sugar intake.
  • Adequate fluid intake is essential in hot weather.

Advanced Usage

• "Annual intake": Refers to the number of people or things admitted into an institution (like a school or program) over a year.
  • The university has increased its annual intake of international students.
• "Intake of breath": A specific phrase describing a sharp inhalation, often due to surprise or shock.
  • There was a collective intake of breath from the audience at the shocking news.

Variants and Related Words

• Intake manifold (n): A part of an engine that supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders.
  • The mechanic replaced the cracked intake manifold.
• Intake valve (n): A valve that controls the entry of fluid or gas into a chamber.
  • A faulty intake valve can cause engine performance issues.

Synonyms

• Inhalation: The action of breathing in (for the breathing sense).
• Consumption: The using up of a resource, especially food or drink.
• Ingestion: The process of taking food into the body.
• Inlet: An opening for the entrance of fluid or air.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Intake" is primarily a noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• "Take in": While not an idiom with "intake," the verb phrase "take in" is conceptually related, meaning to absorb, understand, or admit.
  • The lecture was too fast; I couldn't take it all in.
  • The shelter will take in stray animals.

Noun

1. the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
2. an opening through which fluid is admitted to a tube or container
3. the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)