'Breather' definitions:

Definition of 'breather'

From: WordNet
noun
A short respite [syn: breath, breather, breathing place, breathing space, breathing spell, breathing time]
noun
Air passage provided by a retractable device containing intake and exhaust pipes; permits a submarine to stay submerged for extended periods of time [syn: snorkel, schnorkel, schnorchel, snorkel breather, breather]

Definition of 'Breather'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]